James Baker Keynotes Gulen Institute Luncheon

The Gülen Institute continued its luncheon series in Houston, Texas recently. The Institue is gathering people from a wide range of social, cultural, religious, and political sectors of society. James Baker, who served under Presidents Reagan and Bush Senior...was the keynote speaker. //

The Gülen Institute Luncheon Forums are venues designed to promote peace and social justice, cultivate social harmony, strengthen civic dialogue and deepen intercultural awareness and understanding among diverse communities.

In his opening speech of the luncheon, Kemal Öksüz, the CEO of the Gülen Institute, emphasized the importance of patience in building friendship among diverse sectors of society

Mr. Baker began his speech by expressing his gratitude for the Gülen Institute's efforts to promote cooperation and respect amongst people from diverse background without discrimination.

Soundbite: James A. Baker
"The Gülen Institute rigorously and very rightly advocates: prayer, interfaith dialogue and helping ease tension between peoples in our very complicated world. ... I have learned that, through prayer, each of us can help find our way in a difficult and sometimes very confusing world. But I believe that prayer really transcends the individual quest to improve oneself on an individual level. Prayer, when shared among earnest people is a critical component required in building a cohesive society. As members of a community, I think we should share certain spiritual responsibilities, regardless of our particular religious background... In fact, I believe spiritual values are important in the pursuit of world peace. And I agree with something Pope Paul VI once said at the United Nations. When he said "The problems of the world are so great that perhaps the leaders of the world would have to learn how to pray together." Honorable Baker appreciated the Gülen Institute's efforts by saying that "Problems of the world would be easy to address if, on the global level, we develop ways of sharing respect for each other's religious perspectives. It is in this manner, that the Gülen Institute and those who promote shared vision of interfaith dialogue provide truly invaluable leadership. "

At the end of the speech, Mr. Oksuz presented the keynote speaker with a gift, a , finely woven carpet with a picture of Mr. Baker on it.

Some 250 community leaders from the world of academia, business, government and religion participated in the Houston luncheon

The Gülen Institute aims to promote mutual understanding and respect, and cooperation among people from diverse backgrounds, and thus serve all humanity, based on the perspectives inspired by the life and works of the distinguished contemporary scholar Fethullah Gülen.

More information on the Gülen Institute can be reached at www.guleninstitute.org.

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