"Celebrating the Charter for Compassion" By Blanca Morales with photos by Miguel Conchas
An article for the Logos, the University of the Incarnate Word Student newspaper, November, 2009.
In the last few weeks, a worldwide movement recognizing unity and harmony among all was unraveled across distinct traditions, ethnicities, and religions.
“The Charter of Compassion is a cooperative effort to restore not only compassionate thinking but, more importantly, compassionate action to the center of religious, moral and political life,” states CharterofCompassion.org. “Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries.”
The Charter is a universal record that invites people of all faiths, all nations, and all backgrounds to proclaim the principle embraced by all, often referred to as the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule asks that we use empathy to put ourselves in others’ shoes and act toward them in the way that we would like them to act toward us.
Starting on November 12, the day the Charter was inaugurated, 150,000 people from over 180 countries participated in various celebratory activities in places of worship, public spaces, schools, universities, and workplaces. UIW faculty and students led by the Arts for Christian Worship class taught by Sister Martha Ann Kirk, religious studies professor, hosted a celebration in Marian Hall Ballroom complete with guest speakers, dancing, and fruit. Olive branches and colorful paper cranes, symbols of peace surrounded a large copy of the Charter which was signed by participants as they danced in a "circle of compassion" around it.
Compassion in various traditions was explained by Lama Passang Gelek, Buddhist monk from Tibet; Anna Huth, Catholic Relief Services, San Antonio; Judy Lackritz of the Jewish Federation, San Antonio; Dr. Lopita Nath from the Hindu tradition, originally from India, now a History professor at the University of the Incarnate Word; Narjis Pierre, leader of the San Antonio Muslim Women's Association; Dr. Neeta Singh from the Sikh tradition, originally from India, now a Nutrition professor at the University of the Incarnate Word. Also Robert Rodriguez, leader of the STAND-UIW, the student group working against genocide, spoke of acting compassionately.
Nursing student Laura Boehm said, “You learn small things here and there about other religions, but to have so many different religions speaking about compassion from the viewpoint of their faith was definitely something inspiring.”
Following the speakers, guests were invited to stand together in a circle and to come forward and sign the Charter if they so wished. As students, faculty, and other members of the San Antonio community came forward, the rest joyfully danced and ate fruit that had been laid out on trays.
“My favorite part was at the end where one by one, each of the participants signed their name to the Charter for Compassion while the rest danced in a circle around them,” said UIW student Howard Gill.
“Compassion is something I am learning to use in my profession and throughout my whole life. I absolutely support any act or charter that will bring all people together to promote peace and well-being,” said Boehm.
For more information, including signing the Charter and learning about those involved in the worldwide movement, please visit CharterforCompassion.org
