You might remember me telling you about an initiative last year called Give 30 which challenged members of various mosques in Toronto to donate at least a dollar a day during the fast season of Ramadan for food banks. Both contemplation and compassion are elements of Ramadan, not unlike the Christian season of Lent, I suppose. The campaign raised $40,000 for the Daily Bread program.
It proved to be quite a success and I listened to the founder Ziyaad Mia a couple of days ago who explained that this year it was expanding to other cities including Calgary. He reminded listeners that compassion is a key element in all major religions and I have to agree. His comments made me think of Karen Armstrong's book The Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life which appeals to this common principle amongst religions. One of the positive changes of my lifetime is interfaith dialogue which asks what we share rather than what divides us.
What do you think of this initiative? Would you be interested in studying Armstrong's book? Have you noticed the change in outlook through the years?
It is a great idea - and I hope we have a few copies - or are getting a few , soon - of Armstrong's book, for our church library.
ReplyDeleteI think that this kind of initiative is worthwhile, on a number of levels.
ReplyDeleteFirst, there is an appreciable, positive impact on a charity whose work affects the lives of many on an immediate level.
Secondly, it has the potential to link different faiths in demonstrable action of "good" aimed at the community level. This in turn can help break down walls between different religious groups.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, it puts forth a positive media message that different faiths can act collectively, and responsibly toward the good of the collective. This could be a first step in drawing more people into faith action.
I have a copy of Karen's book and think it is a great starting point to initiate a focus of compassion.
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