Sparking conversation on global understanding of morality and religion was the aim of author Karen Armstrong’s “Charter for Compassion.” After being awarded the Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) Prize in 2008, Armstrong wanted to create a simple document that would serve as the ideal for moral and ethical practices across religious faiths worldwide.
On Nov. 12, after much anticipation by believers of all faiths, Karen Armstrong revealed the document to the world.
The charter begins by acknowledging that people have failed to treat each with compassion. Its final text calls for action among all men and women “to restore compassion to the center of morality and religion, to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate, to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures, to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity, to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings – even those regarded as enemies.”
The “Charter for Compassion” has been endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, among other public figures.
Individuals of all faiths and nationalities from around the globe submitted their own words for the charter to the website launched for the project www.charterforcompassion.org., over one year ago.
“I think it’s a good idea that all the religions are making an effort to come together. However, I am not sure how effective this will be,” said Demarco Smith, a freshman political science major.
“Compassion is not the feeling of good will or pity,” Armstrong said. Moreover, he said, compassion is more like empathy. To be empathetic is to place one in someone else’s position.
The Rev. Dr. Peter Storey, who was prison chaplain to Nelson Mandela, is a former Methodist Bishop from South Africa.
During a news conference, Storey said people should ask themselves, “How many people have died because I believe the way that I believe?”
“I believe that people can change, [because] deep down they want to change,” Storey said.
The religious contributors to the charter all unanimously believe that compassion is something that we must be taught and is a learned behavior.
As this historical charter unveiling concluded, the Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, who worked diligently with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, said that King would say, “‘Dreams are dangerous, they matter. They are not free.’”
Campbell added, “Compassion is a dangerous dream.”
In reference to the charter, sophomore African American studies major Brittany Jones said,
“At Howard, it is especially important that we demonstrate compassion for our brothers and sisters. We have a very diverse student body with very unique backgrounds.”
Armstrong said she would like a rapid response council to be established to answer questions of compassion worldwide.
Already, the final text of the charter has been inscribed to over 60 plaques in 10 countries.
The final text of “Charter for Compassion” is available online at www.charterforcompassion.org.
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