Archives of the Council of Christians and Jews

Executive committee minute books, 1941-78; correspondence files for the executive committee, annual general meetings, the Standing Conference of Local Councils of the Council of Christians and Jews, local associations of the Council of Christians and Jews, as well as subject files, with papers on Aid to Christian Lebanon, 1976-80; the Association of Nazi Camp Survivors, 1960-7; a meeting with the Dalai Lama in 1973; and Rainbow Group material for 1978-80. Minute books for the board of management of the Christian Council of Refugees, 1940-51, and the minutes of the Christian Council of Refugees from Germany and Europe Continuation Committee, 1951-3.

The Council of Christians and Jews was founded in 1942. Its objectives were fourfold: firstly, to combat religious and racial intolerance; secondly, to promote mutual understanding and good-will between Christians and Jews in all sections of the community, especially in connection with the conditions created by the war; thirdly, to promote fellowship between Christian and Jewish youth organisations in educational and cultural activities; and finally, to foster co-operation of Christians and Jews in study and service directed to post-war reconstruction. Its presidents were the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of Westminster, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, the Moderator of the Free Church Federal Council and the Chief Rabbi. (For a history of the Council and its activities, M.Braybrooke Children of one God. A history of the Council of Christians and Jews (London, 1991).)

The Special Collections Division is available for anyone to use, regardless of whether you are attached to an academic institution. Access to the Archives and Manuscripts and Rare Books reading room, however, is by prior appointment to access the manuscript material. See our website for more details.