A call to bring the world together…
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. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honor the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.
It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.
We therefore call upon all men and women ~ to restore compassion to the centre 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.
We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.
Reflections on Compassion for Communities of Faith
The Charter for Compassion will be introduced to the world community on November 12, 2009. Leaders of communities of faith are invited to speak to the faithful on November 13-15, urging them to restore the principles of compassion to the heart of their faith and their lives.
Possible Points of Emphasis
Compassion is most clearly and simply expressed in the Golden Rule which ••can be read as both “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” and “Do not treat others as you would not like to be treated yourself.”
A commitment to compassion calls us to live in the world conscious of all with ••whom we share the Earth and Earth’s bounty and resources.
Compassion insists that, in recognition of our common humanity, we treat every ••creature with justice, equality, and respect.
The Charter for Compassion calls all religions to mutual respect of one another ••and insists that all compassionate interpretation of scripture denies hatred and violence.
Compassion calls us to a courageous life in which risks are joyously taken ••on behalf of a world in which all people must be fed and housed and clothed and freed.
Compassion is not only a matter of the heart, but a mindful commitment to ••engage one’s whole self in the alleviation of suffering.
The call to compassion is addressed to religious bodies, to governments, to ••businesses — yes, even to the military. All whose power and decision-making affects others need to honor the sanctity and safety of all.
Compassion can be a dynamic force in protecting the Earth and its for ••generations yet to be born.
Compassion calls us out of our narrow self-centered selves, saves us from ••wasteful self-involvement, and opens us to the well-being offered to those who share themselves, their resources, and their love with all of humanity.