VIDEO-Fethullah Gulen and the Hizmet Movement, Don Wallace Georgetown University

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Fethullah Gulen Deplores Recent Attacks on Christians in Pakistan

September 27, 2013 – I am deeply saddened to learn about the bombing of a Christian church in Peshawar, Pakistan, which cost the lives 85 civilians and injured many others. I condemn this attack unequivocally and on this sad occasion reiterate my condemnation of all forms of terrorism regardless of perpetrators or their stated purposes.

Any form of attack, suppression or persecution of minorities is an act that contradicts the tradition of our Prophet upon whom be peace and blessings. Whether it is the senseless killings of innocent Christians in a Pakistan Church, the attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt or the suppression of minority rights anywhere, Muslims should come out first in condemning these actions.

Every human being is created equal by God. Basic human rights, such as the right to life, to live in peace and to be treated with dignity, are sacred rights given by God. No suffering of Muslims can be used to justify inflicting suffering elsewhere on innocent civilians. In true Islamic thought ends never justify means.

I extend my heartfelt prayers to the injured, the families of the deceased and all of the people of Pakistan.

Read more of Fethullah Gulen’s statement.

VIDEO-Preventing Violence and Achieving World Peace, The Contributions of the Gulen Movement

"Preventing Violence and Achieving World Peace: The Contributions of the Gulen Movement" presents the essays of eight scholars who consider the diverse ways in which the Gulen Movement or hizmet (service to others) - inspired by contemporary Turkish social philosopher Fetullah Gulen - has worked to answer this question. Drawing from various intellectual and theological sources, particularly Sufism, these essays indicate multiple instances of positive interfaith and/or multicultural dialogue. In addition, they consider how the writings of Gulen and the works of the Gulen Movement, through an extensive program of education and communication, have contributed significantly to efforts that oppose violence and shape universal peace.


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Fethullah Gulen Condemns Terrorist Attack in Nairobi, Kenya

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2013 – I am heartbroken by the senseless terrorist attack in Kenya and the loss of lives and horrific injuries to so many innocent people. In the eyes of God, every life is sacred and every person has dignity. The taking of a single human life is an attack on all humankind.

I deplore these revolting acts of terrorism, which serve no purpose but to bring about destruction, sorrow and grief. I reiterate my condemnation of all forms of terror regardless of its perpetrators and their stated purposes. The criminals must be brought to justice even though that will do little to mitigate the cruelty inflicted on victims and their families.

I extend my heartfelt prayers to the injured, the families of the deceased and all of the people of Kenya. I ask God the Merciful to guide us all expediently into a world of mutual respect and peace.

Read more of Fethullah Gulen’s statement.

VIDEO-Seeking Wisdom Beyond Our Comfort Zone How assumptions about "the other" limit growth Eileen Gale Kugler

Each day we make judgments in our business and personal lives about the value of others. We don't make these decisions in a pristine vacuum, but rather based on our own experiences and influences. Our complex individual culture—an interconnected web of factors ranging from our religion, race and ethnicity to where we grew up, our family structure and our gender role—is the prism through which we view the capabilities of others. These assumptions, whether conscious or unconscious, limit our own growth, as well the growth of other people. To break through these biases, we each need to be conscious of them and reflect on the origins of our attitudes about "the other." When we move beyond our own prism and seek wisdom from everyone we come in contact with, no matter their background or status, we grow —and so do our organizations and society at large.

Eileen Gale Kugler is a global speaker and consultant on the unique benefits that diversity brings to schools, communities and worksites —and strategies to strengthen them. She is author of the award-winning Debunking the Middle Class Myth: Why Diverse Schools are Good for All Kids and executive editor of the new Innovative Voices in Education: Engaging Diverse Communities. Eileen's articles and commentaries appear in wide-ranging publications, including USA Today and the Washington Post, Educational Leadership, and Education Week. Eileen's work is informed by her continuing on-the-ground involvement, including an active volunteer life. Her family's volunteer commitment at a South African school, including creating a 23,000-book library, was featured in The Washington Post and Voice of America TV.

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