Karen Armstrong’s TED Prize wish sits right in the middle of some of today’s most profound global tensions. She has just voiced it passionately from the TED2008 stage: Help me, she asked, “with the creation, launch and propagation of a Charter for Compassion,” to be crafted by a group of twelve religious leaders and thinkers from the three Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and “based on the fundamental principles of universal justice and respect.”

Bridging the divide among the three prevalent monotheistic faiths, which all claim Abraham as part of their religious history, using the lens of compassion, will require more than scholarly preeminence and good will. It will call for the creation of a totally new narrative, stepping beyond hatred and defensiveness and, in Armstrong’s own words, “making the authentic voice of religion a power in the world that is conducive to peace.” It will demand a subtle effort that engages everybody. It will necessitate operational support (which will come from the UN Alliance of Civilization, but also from individuals). Mostly, it will depend on the participation of many. If you feel that you can contribute, check out the list of needs. Here is a first question for you: Who are the spiritual leaders of these three religions who have inspired you the most, and who should be solicited in the process of creating the group of twelve and the wider group of signataires of the Charter? Submit your suggestions here and participate in the discussion here. (TED.com members will have to register anew to participate in the TED Prize discussion boards.)

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 28th, 2008 at 1:45 am and is filed under Karen Armstrong's Wish Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.