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 honour 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.
Affirmers
- HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal
- Jody Williams
- Winner, Nobel Peace Prize
- Mohsen Kadivar
- Islamic scholar
- Melissa Ethridge
- Musician
- Dr. Helene Gayle
- President and CEO, CARE
- Eve Ensler
- Playwright
- Dr. M. Din Syamsuddin
- President, Muhammadiyah
- Sir Richard Branson
- Founder, Virgin Group
- Djimon Houmsou
- Actor
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama
- Dr. Abdul Sattar Edhi
- Founder, Edhi Foundation
- Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu
- Pierre Omidyar
- Founder, Ebay
Acts of Compassion
#265
When my sister died several friends came by my home and filled each room with flowers. I came back from her funeral in the dark of winter to find colorful bouquets throughout my home—lavendar, daisies, bulbs and my favorite, delphiniums! It lifted some of my sadness and I felt loved.
#99
My son Jacob and his hockey team did an awesome thing tonight! His special friend,Jessica,who is 8 years old and dying from a cancerous brain tumor attended the game.They dedicated the game to her! They did a ceremonial puck drop and Jacob skated over and gave the 2010 olympic puck to her! read more
Partners
Our partners are committed to the ideals of the Charter and work around the world in the name of compassion.
American Business Council (PODER)
As a premier business magazine, PODER is written for a global audience of influential senior business and political decision-makers.
Greater Good Science Center
The Greater Good Science Center sponsors and disseminates research on compassion, empathy, and altruism, helping people apply the science of compassion to their personal and professional lives.
Initiatives of Change
IofC is a global network open to all people who work towards change, locally and globally, starting with change in their own lives.
