The head of the Orthodox world, Patriarch Bartholomew spoke highly of Fethullah Gulen, the Honorary President of the Rumi Forum. Gulen is known the world over for this contribution to intercultural and interfaith dialogue and educational activities. The below excerpt is taken from the Chicago Tribune:
...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."...
