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"It requires you in your own sphere to work for a more compassionate world," Armstrong said. (Google) |
SAN FRANCISCO — Religious leaders from around the world launched Thursday, November 12, a platform for harmony and compassion among followers of different faiths.
"The charter is a summons to action, it is not just a feel good thing," British faith scholar Karen Armstrong told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
"It calls upon people to find creative ways of implementing... to work energetically for the good of humanity in one's own community."
The Charter for Compassion calls for the peoples around the world to bring back compassion and tolerance back into societies.
"The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves," the Charter reads.
"We therefore call upon all men and women to restore compassion to the center of morality and religion."
The 330-word document exhorts peoples to promote understanding and shun violence.
People should "return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate."
"(And) to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures."
The document also urged world countries to cultivate the value of diversity in the minds of future generations.
"(We urge all) 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 will be hung at spots in several cities such as New York, Cairo, London, Ramallah, Melbourne, and Buenos Aires.
It is also posted online in seven languages, with the list to be expanded, on charterforcompassion.org.
The charter's list of "affirmers" includes Tibet spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Queen Noor of Jordan, Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Ali Gomaa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu; author Sir Ken Robinson, and musician Paul Simon.
Beginning
Armstrong, who championed the initiative, said the charter would be the first step to restore compassion to the world.
"A launch is only the beginning of a voyage and not the end," the renowned British scholar said.
"Now people have their own website where they can organize and we can make it a movement."
The website is also intended to serve as a venue for groups or individuals who have been working in isolation to collaborate as an online community.
The home page includes a box where people can share word of compassionate deeds big or small.
"We have to go to work to put the charter into focus," said Armstrong.
A simple way to begin, said Armstrong, is to stifle nasty off-the-cuff comments.
"In the media, teaching, banking, or bringing up children one has to think of the passionate ethos.
"All day and every day to put yourself in the shoes of somebody else."
The faith scholar urged those who believe in the importance of the value of compassion to start with themselves.
"It requires you in your own sphere to work for a more compassionate world."
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