The Charter for Compassion
- initiated by theologian Karen Armstrong (sometime teacher at JAGS)
Compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, with the Golden Rule calling us to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every human being with justice, equity and respect.
The Charter for Compassion was launched in 2009 to meet the problems of that time and it is even more relevant today! We have failed to live compassionately, even increasing human misery in the name of religion.
The Charter calls on all of us:
- To restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion.
- To acknowledge that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate.
- To ensure youth have 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 enemies.
We urgently need to make compassion a dynamic force in our polarised world to transcend selfishness and break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensable to the creation of a just economy and peaceful global community.
‘Lord, open our eyes that we may see you in our brothers and sisters, Lord, open our ears that we may hear the cries of the hungry, the cold, the frightened, the oppressed. Lord, open our hearts that we may love each other as you loved us.’ Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Heather Savini
17 August 2025
