About us
The Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) is the leading nationwide forum for Christian-Jewish engagement.
We were founded in 1942, at the height of the Second World War and the Holocaust, by Archbishop William Temple and Chief Rabbi Joseph Hertz. Her Majesty the Queen was our patron for 70 years since 1952, and His Majesty King Charles became our Patron on the first anniversary of Their Majesties' Coronation.
Our aim is for Jews and Christians to meet, to understand each other better and to create meaningful engagement between the communities. We have grown into a nationwide network of local branches around the UK, complemented by a professional team that run national programmes in education, dialogue and social action - for Rabbis and clergy, community leaders, students, policy makers, CCJ members and those of all faiths and none.
The message of CCJ is as relevant today as ever. We call on people of faith to use our diversity to challenge prejudice and persecution together so that we can build strong communities that live in dignity, understanding and fellowship.
For over 80 years, CCJ has been a leading player in interfaith engagement. We have provided an opportunity for people to come together, share ideas, learn about one another and build a stronger, more tolerant society. We provide a space to celebrate our similarities and the values that we share, while acknowledging that diversity is what makes living together so rewarding.