5 years of Rumi Peace and Dialogue Awards - Washington DC

The Rumi Forum has been bestowing the awards to individuals and organizations that have contributed to the social fabric of society. Below is a historical review of the first 5 years.

LATEST VIDEOS: Kenneth Bedell, Steve Clemons, Max Finberg, Bishop John Bryson Chane

Enjoy the videos from our Rumi Forum Luncheon Series

MEDIA - Bishop Chane: Gülen one of the greatest scholars

Eighth Bishop of Washington in the Episcopal Church John Bryson Chane has said Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen is probably one of the greatest scholars and religious people in today’s world.

Speaking at a Jan. 20 meeting of the Rumi Forum, a think tank established by Turks living in Washington, D.C., to foster intercultural dialogue, the bishop praised Gülen and the Gülen movement inspired by him. During his speech, titled “Interfaith/Intercultural dialogue: a First Priority in the 21st Century,” Chane referred to Gülen as a “magnificent man”. “In the 50 books he has written he has probably been one of our greatest voices. He is a scholar and communicator who has really addressed -- not only the role of religion -- but the place of religion as an antidote to violence throughout the world, stressing the importance of the need to come to the table for dialogue and conversation.” Bishop Chane serves a diverse diocese of 91 congregations, 23 church-related schools and 45,000 members in the District of Columbia and the counties of Prince George’s, Montgomery, Charles and Saint Mary’s in the state of Maryland. Noting that Gülen has contributed much to the life and stability of the global community already, Chane said, “I really want to make a point in recognizing him and honoring him for the work he continues to do for global peace among all of God’s children.” Gülen, a Turkish Islamic scholar well known for teachings that promote mutual understanding and tolerance between cultures, is now residing in the US. Gülen has pioneered educational activities in a number of countries, along with efforts to promote intercultural and interfaith activities around the world. One of the world’s most influential Islamic scholars, Gülen made the top of the list of “The World’s Top 20 Public Intellectuals” in the magazines Foreign Policy and Prospect in 2008. SEE PHOTOS: http://picasaweb.google.com/110222538312634006729/RUMIFORUM# SOURCE:http://www.todayszaman.com/news-233607-bishop-chane-gulen-one-of-the-greatest-scholars.html

Rumi Forum kept busy during Ramadan with numerous Iftar Dinners

The Rumi Forum was very busy with numerous Ramadan Iftar Dinners during the fasting month. These dinners are organized to bring professionals, community leaders, families and individuals together in a spirit of hospitality and share in a meal in the tradition of Abraham and reflecting the words of Rumi - "come whoever you are.....come !".

Visit our photos page on Picasa and some sample photos are below

Pim Valkenberg as guest speaker at Rumi Forum Ramadan Dinner

An Ebru (water marbling) presentation

Guest speaker norwegian Ambassador, H.E. Wegger Chr. Strommen

Rumi Forum's President with Bishop Chane aduring the Iftar Dinner at Washington's National Cathedral

Invitation that was used to invite members of the wider American community to attend a community Ramadan Iftar Tent

Guests at the Ramadan Iftar Tent in Fairfax, Virginia

Emre Celik with US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton at the 2010
State Dept. Ramadan Iftar Dinner

Farah Pandith from the State Department with Emre Celik during the Rumi Forum Kentucky Ramadan Iftar Dinner

Amb. David Newton at the Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner in Maryland

More photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/110222538312634006729/RUMIFORUM#

Newspaper article on the Annual Maryland Iftar dinner:
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-220542-former-us-ambassador-praises-gulen-at-marti-rockville-iftar.html