Karen Armstrong

Dame Karen Armstrong, a British author and commentator of Irish Catholic descent, is recognized for her extensive work on comparative religion. After leaving the convent in 1969, Armstrong dedicated her career to the study of the world's major religions, focusing on the commonalities, such as the importance of compassion and the adherence to the Golden Rule. Her scholarly pursuits led her to author several influential books.

Armstrong's contributions extend beyond the realm of authorship. She has graced a number of television programs with her insights, including Rageh Omaar's "The Life of Muhammad". She also served as an advisor for the award-winning PBS-broadcast documentary "Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet". Furthermore, she has addressed members of the United States Congress and was one of three scholars invited to speak at the UN's first-ever session on religion. In 2008, Armstrong was awarded the TED Prize, a reflection of her significant contributions to the field of religion.

Throughout her career, Armstrong has received a multitude of honors and awards, including the Muslim Public Affairs Council's Media Award, the Freedom of Worship Award, and the Jack P. Blaney Award for Dialogue. She was also made an honorary Doctor of Letters by several universities, including Aston University, Queen's University, and the University of Saint Andrews. Armstrong's dedication to fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding is further evidenced by the creation of the Charter for Compassion, a global initiative.