Dear friend,
Peace!
An inspiring idea is at work! The people of the world have been invited to help write a CHARTER FOR COMPASSION.
This extraordinary initiative comes from the distinguished religious scholar, Ms. Karen Armstrong. It was launched on 11 November 2008. Ms. Armstrong regards compassion as the “test of true spirituality.” It is “the ability to feel with the other and enter with generosity into his or her perspective.” Compassion is the kernel of the Golden Rule of Life, “treat others the way you want to be treated.”
The views and opinions expressed by the people of the world will be put together and deliberated upon by a Council of Sages which will prepare the final version of the Charter in February 2009. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Tariq Ramadan and Baroness Julia Neuberger are among the members of the Council. I am also one of the members.
It is my sincere hope and prayer that JUST members and readers of the JUST Commentary and their friends will participate in this noble effort of creating a Charter for Compassion. How you can contribute is explained in detail in the Charter’s website www.charterforcompassion.org. The process of writing the Charter will go on for about four weeks.
Come join us in shaping a Charter for Compassion for a world that yearns for compassion!
With empathy,
Chandra Muzaffar.
Malaysia.
27 November 2008.