US Academics Praise Contributions of Gülen Movement
The Gülen movement's contributions to the ideal of world peace were praised during the two-day "East and West Encounters: The Gülen Movement" conference in Los Angeles.
The conference was held in Los Angeles last weekend by the Pacific Institute and the University of Southern California, with sponsorship by four universities. The conference's aim was to "explore the appeal, meaning, and impact of Fethullah Gülen and the Gülen movement as exemplifying approaches to education, dialogue and peace that transcend and mediate traditional distinctions between 'East' and 'West'."
The panel discussions brought together renowned academics in lively discussion during which participants emphasized the value of the Gülen movement in working toward intercultural and interfaith understanding and world peace. Dr. Reza Aslan of the University of California, Riverside, said in his opening remarks, "We must praise the Gülen movement, to which there is no alternative, as it encompasses both Islamic principles and discourse that embraces all of humanity." Aslan described Gülen as an individual who believes in religion, science, democracy and pluralism. "He rejects terrorism and violence and gravitates toward universal truths," he said.
Aslan said that he followed current events in Turkey closely, commenting that while some circles were engaged in attempts to control the direction of discussion over the name of Gülen and Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), it was clear they presented no alternatives of their own and that these were merely mudslinging attempts. Dr. Jill Carol of Rice University said in her comments during the conference that the Gülen movement's most defining aspect was the sense of responsibility embraced by its members and the universal appeal of their work.
Former Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Namik Kemal Zeybek was also present at the conference as an attendee and commended the Gülen movement for its work in promoting education in Central Asia. "It is an honor for me as a Turkish citizen for Gülen to have risen to the position that he has. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who tries to understand him and help him," he said. Also speaking at the conference was Edvin Minasyan, the vice chair of the California-based İstanbul Armenians Organization, who also praised Gülen's interfaith work.
The conference, held at USC's Davidson Conference Hall, drew great interest. The conference sessions were attended and presented by such notables as former Vatican interfaith dialogue representative Thomas Michel and drew attendees from the world over.
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