We’ve all heard the maxim ‘do as you would be done by’ but today philosophers urged people to actually put it into practice. The global Charter for Compassion was launched in cities across the world, with the straightforward aim of getting everyone to be a bit nicer to each other.

The former nun and now critical religious thinker, Karen Armstrong, wrote the charter with the help of leaders from the five major religions. She says the world is facing political and social turmoil.

“A militant kind of aggressive religiosity, sometimes called fundamentalism, has grown up in every single one of the major world traditions, and there’s a sense of rage expressed in religious terms. I want to change the conversation.”

Global ceremonies
Ceremonies were held in 32 countries to mark the publication of the document, which it is hoped will inspire decision-makers as well as grassroots campaigners to promote equality and fairness. The text includes calls on men and women to do the following:

• restore compassion to the center of morality and religion;
• return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate;
• ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures;
• encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity, and
• cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings ~ even those regarded as enemies.

 

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Tariq Ramadan
The Swiss-Egyption Muslim thinker Tariq Ramadan is one of a group of 18 theologians and philosophers who helped write the final text. He was at the Dutch launch in Amsterdam today to speak about the need for tolerance and understanding – but admits this is merely the first step on a difficult path.

“We cannot expect the Charter to do the job – it’s a reference text helping people to come together and say if we agree on that, at least we have common values when it comes to justice, the dignity of human beings, the dignity of people.”

Karen Armstrong received contributions from all over the globe, which she used to shape the charter. She says the final text is a summons to people to take practical action in their local communities. Events have already been organised by schools and women’s groups in the US and a number of religious services have been held to promote compassion.

 

Plaques and pledges
Over 60 plaques will be placed in the world's most important cities, including New York, Melbourne, Cairo and Ramallah. Among those who have signed up to the pledges made in the charter, are the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the musician Paul Simon.
 
Tariq Ramadan stresses this is not about feeling sorry for people – it’s a chance to do good on a global scale.
 
“Compassion is not about pity, it’s not about only caring for people. It’s about intellectual empathy, it’s about justice, it’s about living together. The world today, as Karen says, is in dire need of that.”