At the Charter for Compassion, we understand that no single organization can address the complex challenges of our time alone. Strategic partnerships grounded in shared values and mutual purpose are essential—not only for amplifying our impact, but for sustaining hope and momentum in our collective work for a more compassionate world.
Among our closest and most cherished partnerships is our enduring relationship with the United Religions Initiative (URI). This year, URI celebrates 25 years of interfaith cooperation, peacebuilding, and grassroots empowerment—a remarkable milestone that affirms the strength of its vision and the courage of its global network.
Founded in 2000 by Bishop William E. Swing, URI began with a bold dream: to prevent religiously motivated violence and build enduring bridges of understanding between people of all beliefs. Reflecting on URI’s founding impulse, Bishop Swing once said:
"We have not been put on this Earth to separate ourselves, to fear, or to destroy. We are here to connect, to heal, and to build together."
URI’s mission—to end religiously motivated violence, promote interfaith cooperation, and foster cultures of peace, justice, and healing—has grown into a truly global movement, with Cooperation Circles in over 110 countries addressing everything from youth empowerment and women’s leadership to environmental sustainability and conflict transformation.
While URI’s work focuses on interfaith collaboration, and the Charter for Compassion's on building compassionate communities and fostering compassion education, our shared vision is unmistakable. As Karen Armstrong, founder of the Charter for Compassion, reminds us:
“A compassionate city is an uncomfortable city! A city that is uncomfortable with the knowledge that some of its citizens go hungry. A city that does not rest easy while some of its neighbors are homeless… A compassionate city is one whose leaders are deeply moved by the pain of its citizens.”
URI has, in many ways, served as a mentor and model for the Charter. Their global architecture of inclusion and decentralized leadership has guided our thinking as we, too, deepen our international networks and work toward systems of transformation at the local level.
Renewing and Reimagining
This is a time of renewal and transformation for both of our organizations:
- URI has embraced important internal evolution, including strengthening its governance structure, investing in emerging leaders, and expanding interregional collaboration. These steps ensure that URI remains agile and visionary in a changing global landscape.
- The Charter for Compassion is preparing to unveil “Charter 2.0”—a renewed declaration of the moral and civic imperative of compassion. This updated Charter, reflecting today’s global challenges and opportunities, will be launched on November 12, 2025, honoring the anniversary of the original Charter’s unveiling at the United Nations in 2009.
Together, we understand that organizational change is not just structural—it is deeply ethical. It requires us to listen, adapt, and align our work with the evolving needs of those we serve.
Deepening the Partnership
In the coming months, URI and the Charter for Compassion will be announcing new shared programming, including collaborative events, educational initiatives, and platforms for global dialogue. These efforts reflect our shared belief that interfaith understanding and compassion-based action must go hand-in-hand in shaping a world that honors dignity, diversity, and justice.
As we mark this important anniversary, we offer:
- Our heartfelt congratulations to URI’s global family of peacebuilders and Cooperation Circles;
- Our deep gratitude to Bishop William Swing for envisioning URI and making it real;
- Our appreciation for the leadership of Jerry White, whose guidance as Executive Director has helped URI navigate a time of transition;
- And our warmest welcome to Karen Volker, URI’s new Executive Director, whose commitment to global cooperation and justice promises to lead URI into its next powerful chapter.
As we look ahead, we are more certain than ever that partnership is the path forward. Together—with URI, and with our many allies around the world—we will continue to weave compassion and cooperation into the fabric of everyday life.
Because a more peaceful world is not only possible—it is already taking root.
