This past week I read a brief article entitled, "A 21st Century Plea for Empathy." The words of the article are just as important as the one who wrote the words. The author is His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, head of the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. His words speak to religious leadership across denominational and faith lines.
Since most of my writings are directed to congregational leaders in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), both clergy and lay, I want you to embrace the words of His Holiness:
"Our 21st century world is facing many dangers and difficulties: the environmental crisis, war and conflict, large migrations of refugees, and deep social divisions, to name a few. One of the most important things religious traditions can do is to shift people's attitudes towards empathy and simple living. Scientists are very clear about the damage being done to our environment because of our unsustainable lifestyles, but most people seem indifferent to the implications. If people's attitudes and motivations are to be positively transformed, religious leaders must show the way."
His Holiness, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, goes on to say: "This means that all of us in the religious traditions have a great responsibility. As spiritual leaders, we need to remind people of the essence of the teachings of our respective traditions, not as mere philosophical concepts but as a practical guide to modern-day living. We have to transcend the borders of our affiliations and harness the potential of all religious traditions. It seems to me to be of the utmost importance that all religious traditions work together to ease the suffering of the world."
As pastoral leaders and educators in congregational settings we have a unique opportunity to participate in the process of shifting people's attitudes "towards empathy and simple living." If we could but empathize with one another, unity would replace our brokenness and social division. If we could but live simply, the world's resources could be extended in abundance for all.
Remember, we are only as limited as our limited vision. As we take off our blinders, we help others take off theirs. Together we reach towards our potential. Maybe there is a chance for this world yet. People of faith, help lead the way!
Blinder-less-ly yours,
Our annual prayer vigil for children begins September 11 and continues through Children's Sabbath Sunday on October 16. Follow daily devotional posts on 
