Yes—Nostra Aetate does not forbid Jewish conversion to Christianity, but it sets strict conditions on how any Christian proclamation should be carried out: with mutual understanding, respect, and freedom from hatred or persecution. In other words, it allows evangelization in principle while rejecting anything that treats Jews as rejected or accursed or that involves harassment or anti-Semitic oppression. 1

What Nostra Aetate says (and what it does not)

1) Nostra Aetate calls for proclaiming Christ, but through dialogue and respect

Nostra Aetate states that the Church “proclaims” Christ as “the way, the truth, and the life” and encourages Christians to engage in dialogue and collaboration with other religions “with prudence and love and in witness to the Christian faith and life.” 2

This provides the general theological framework: the Church’s proclamation of Christ is not prohibited; it is to be done as witness, not as coercion. 2

2) About Jews specifically: they are “most dear” to God, and must not be presented as rejected

In Nostra Aetate 4, the Council teaches that “God holds the Jews most dear” and that the Church must not present Jews “as rejected or accursed by God.” 1

It further requires that “in catechetical work or in the preaching of the word of God they do not teach anything that does not conform to the truth of the Gospel and the spirit of Christ.” 1

So the Council protects the dignity of Jewish persons and forbids preaching that contradicts the Gospel’s spirit (especially in ways that distort the relationship between Jews and God). 1

3) Nostra Aetate rejects persecution/hatred of Jews

Nostra Aetate explicitly “decries hatred” and “persecutions” and “displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.” 1

So even if conversion were the goal of a particular missionary effort, Nostra Aetate would rule out any approach that involves hostility, oppression, or coercive pressure. 1

Conclusion: does it “permit conversion”?

• It does not explicitly address whether Jews may be invited to convert. It focuses instead on the Church’s attitude toward Jews and on rejecting anti-Jewish hostility and persecution. 1
• But it also does not forbid proclamation of Christ; it affirms that the Church must proclaim Christ and promotes dialogue and “witness.” 2
• Therefore, consistent with Nostra Aetate, the Church can offer the Gospel to Jews in a manner faithful to Christ—without anti-Semitism, without harassment/persecution, and without presenting Jews as rejected or accursed by God. 1