Charter for Compassion
by Barb
In 2008, as one of the winners of the TED prize, religious historian and author Karen Armstrong made a wish: “I wish that you would help with the creation, launch and propagation of a Charter for Compassion, crafted by a group of leading inspirational thinkers from the three Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and based on the fundamental principles of universal justice and respect.”
Armstrong’s wish for a better world, a Charter for Compassion will be launched online Nov. 12, 2009. At the heart of the charter lies The Golden Rule, treat all others as you wish to be treated.
The charter is a global, collaborative effort for peace. In late fall 2008, the first draft of the document was written by the world, via a sharing website. In February 2009 the words of the world were collected and given to the Council of Conscience, a gathering of religious leaders and thinkers who crafted the final document.
On November 12, as the charter launches, individuals and communities around the globe will take part in activities and services to promote and celebrate compassion.
More than just a document for peace, The Charter of Compassion is a call to action – practical action to put ourselves in the position of another (and their pain) and to treat the aspirations of other nations as our own. As Armstrong so eloquently says in her plea to revive the Golden Rule, we don’t have to fall in love with each other but we can become friends with one another.
What can you do to start creating compassion in your own life or community? For ideas and inspiration go to small.
And hey, let’s practice The Golden Rule and try a little kindness.
Armstrong’s wish for a better world, a Charter for Compassion will be launched online November 12, 2009. At the heart of the charter lies The Golden Rule, treat all others as you wish to be treated.
