With faith and hope, Turkey builds a new identity
April 11, 2012|John Kass
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...But economic and democratic liberalization have gone hand in hand with dialogue, and Bartholomew has been working to build it with an Islamic Turkish theologian who now lives in Pennsylvania, is relatively unknown in America and yet has vast influence here.
His name is Muhammed Fethullah Gulen.
Gulen preaches interfaith acceptance and peace. His followers number in the millions, in Turkey and across the world.
Bartholomew refers to his friend by the affectionate nickname of "Hoja Effendi."
"He builds bridges, and religion should build bridges," said the patriarch. "This is why we need the dialogues. Not to have religious fanatics who divide people. The idea is to bring people of faith together for the benefit of humankind."...
see full article:
CHICAGO TRIBUNE: With faith and hope, Turkey builds a new identity
see also:
TODAY'S ZAMAN: Patriarch Bartholomew praises Gülen's dialogue efforts
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