(1) We, women and men from various faith communities, inter-faith organisations and academic institutions, have met in Glasgow to discuss the process of developing a »Global Ethic«, its necessity and its prospects, its existing achievements and in its relevance for the people of the United Kingdom in all their diversity. We, the undersigned, make the following declaration and further offer the suggestions, questions and inspirations collected in the workshop reports for consideration.

(2) At a time when human beings everywhere discover the increasing inter-relatedness of all life on earth, the need of affirming a global ethic is evident. Its need and its difficulties are highlighted by the events of 11 September and later events and military action. Subsequent to the »Universal Declaration of Human Rights« (1948), this process of developing a global ethic emphasizes the need to keep rights and responsibilities in balance by establishing »a minimal fundamental consensus concerning binding values, irrevocable standards, and fundamental moral attitudes« (»Declaration Toward a Global Ethic« adopted by the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, 4 September 1993).

(3) The basis for such a global ethic has not to be created for it already exists: There are core values and moral insights which are held in common across the different philosophical and religious traditions despite the variety and diversity of beliefs and practices. It was this common ethical ground which the »Declaration Toward a Global Ethic« sought to express. We believe that the Chicago Declaration provides a valuable starting point for further reflection and refinement of the content of a global ethic.

(4) We endorse the essence of this global ethic which can be stated as: »Every human being must be treated humanely!« This demand is unfolded in the most basic moral insight, widely testified to by the religious and philosophical traditions of humankind, that you shall not do to others, what you do not wish done to yourself, or - in positive terms - that you shall do to others, what you wish done to yourself.
Further we endorse the following four core values as expressive of this:
»1. Commitment to a culture of non-violence and respect for all life.«
»2. Commitment to a culture of solidarity and a just economic order«
»3. Commitment to a culture of tolerance and a life of truthfulness.«
»4. Commitment to a culture of equal rights and partnership between men and women.«

(5) We are aware that there are moral issues which are difficult to decide. We know from our own traditions that a clear and unanimous judgement cannot always and in every ethical question be attained. However, if ethical discussion and debate is to be fruitful, a consensus on the most basic ethical principles is desirable. To establish this consensus serves as an antidote to forms of relativism that undermine any consciousness of moral obligation.

(6) It is not our intention to reduce religion to ethics nor ethics to religion. But morality is an indispensable element of religion and a fundamental basis of social life. Therefore we are convinced that the affirmation of common ethical principles gives the various relationships between our different faith-communities a firmer basis for dialogue and a framework for common action as an important contribution to the foundations of our societies.

(7) We commit ourselves to promoting reflection and discussion within our faith communities and organisations on the content of a global ethic. The Chicago Declaration of 1993 can be of great help towards that aim. The awareness of shared moral values should serve as a cornerstone of all future interactions between our communities.