Australian Catholic University Gulen Chair Launch


Date posted: August 20, 2017

Australian Intercultural Society (AIS), in partnership with the Australian Catholic University (ACU) celebrated the appointment of Associate Professor Salih Yucel to the Fethullah Gülen Chair in the study of Islam and Muslim – Catholic Relations on Monday, 31 July, 2017.

The Fethullah Gülen Chair, which focusses on providing academic leadership in learning, teaching, research and scholarship, aims to promote the critical examination of current trends in the study of Islam and Muslim-Catholic relations as an essential part of interfaith co-operation, understanding, exploration and dialogue. The Chair was originally launched in 2007 seeking to build on AIS’ dialogue initiatives and imbue a sense of rapprochement between cultures and civilisations underpinned by the fundamental principles of respect and seeking understanding.

The event was MC’ed by Professor Dermot Nestor, Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy which is home to the Chair.

In his welcoming address, Professor Greg Craven, Vice Chancellor of ACU said “In partnership with the Australian Intercultural Society, we are pleased to reaffirm our joint commitment to the Fethullah Gülen Chair in the Study of Islam and Muslim-Catholic relations and appoint Associate Professor Salih Yucel to the position”. He added “The Chair plays a critical role in conducting research that is leading edge, here in Australia and worldwide. Beyond developing important new programs in interreligious dialogue, the Chair contributes to a greater vision – that of promoting mutual respect, understanding, and good relations between Muslims and Catholics everywhere”.

The Executive Director of the AIS, Mr Ahmet Keskin stated in his welcoming remarks “The AIS values its partnership with ACU and has jointly hosted lectures, panels, conferences and iftar dinners to name just a few initiatives. The AIS is pleased to reinvigorate the Chair especially in this era where there’s so much tension and misunderstanding, and that it’s vitally important to continually strive to build bridges and provide access points for information exchange”. Mr Keskin thanked ACU for their ongoing support and added the AIS board and their partners are pleased to continue this relationship.

Associate Professor Scott Alexander from the Catholic Theology Union (Chicago, USA) delivered the main address in which he characterized the Hizmet movement inspired by Mr. Gülen as being  “at the centre of a critical chapter in the rich history of Islamic civilization, offering a paradigm for spiritual renewal and social reform rooted in education, dialogue, charity and social justice activism.” He went on to underscore key synergies between Gülen’s teachings as a mujtahid (authoritative interpreter of Islamic norms) and mujaddid (a revitalizer of the faith for millions of Muslims) and the teachings of Pope Francis, “especially with respect to the preferential option for the poor and an emphasis on a spirituality of inclusivity.”

Professor Salih Yucel, the holder of the Chair pointed out that whereas many conventional Islamic renewal movements “focus on opening mosques, and sponsoring curricula in the traditional religious sciences, Hocaefendi (Fethullah Gulen) has encouraged people to open dormitories, schools, universities, hospitals, humanitarian aid organisations,” thus expanding the notion of what constitutes truly Islamic institutions in the service of the human family.

The event was well attended with members from the ACU leadership team, interfaith and community leaders who have supported the AIS through their journey.

The AIS wishes the best for the Chair in its endeavour to provide quality research and sincerely thanks the Australian Catholic University for their ongoing cooperation.

 

Source: Australian Intercultural Society , August 9, 2017


Related News

Abrahamic Faith Leaders on Significance of Coexistence

Christians, Jews and Muslims came together to discuss the significance of pluralism and coexistence at Abrahamic Dinner by Niagara Foundation in Chicago. The annual held dinner took place at the newly-launched building of TASC (Turkish American Society of Chicago). Niagara Foundation President Serif Soydan delivered the opening speech of the night and left the stage to the […]

Prof. Scott Alexander: Hizmet is a social movement for peace

“What I have personally observed is that Hizmet is a movement that embraces contrasts and in which everyone can find a place for themselves. It’s a globally transformational movement. It is, on the other hand, able to combine tradition and modernity and bring them around the common values. Although I might not be necessarily exercising your values, I consider myself a part of this movement. The principles that lead the movement are what lead my life as well.” Alexander remarked.

Representatives of Abrahamic religions meet in Iftar in Antioch

Antioch Intercultural Dialog Association (AKADIM) and Kimse Yok Mu relief organization brought together representatives of three Abrahamic religions in a fast breaking event in Hatay (Antioch). The representatives gave messages of peace and brotherhood. Mayor Assoc. Prof. Lütfü Savaş noted in his talk that unless someone from outside comes and asks, in Antioch they do not know who is Muslim and who is Christian, “We are all tolerant to each other.

Rumi Forum chooses solutions to problems for essay contest

The Rumi Forum, an international organization established by Turks living in Washington, D.C., to foster intercultural dialogue, has chosen the Hizmet movement and solutions to today’s problems as the topic for this year’s essay contest.

Antioch came together over Iftar

FAZİLET CANDAN – ANTIOCH Ramadan brings peace, mercy and blessings to the society. One good example if this was an iftar in Antioch, Turkey, where Alevite and Sunni Muslims, Jews, and Christians came together. Antioch has been remembered because of terrorism and some political incidents in the city. However, Alevites and Sunnis, Christians and Jews […]

Eid-al-Adha – Neighborhood Generosity

Capping off this weekend’s Eid al-Adha celebration observed by nearly 2 billion people around the world, the Turkish Cultural Center of Queens (TCCQ), a local non-profit, is giving back locally.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

Indialogue’s Iftar Dinner: Role of Religions in Empowering Women

70-year-old intending Hajj pilgrim detained on coup charges at airport

To save itself, Turkish govt stabs hard-won democracy

My opinion on the book ‘Imam’s Army’

Former Filipino deputy: Great that we have Kimse Yok Mu

Mozambican minister: I will mention success of Turkish schools on every occasion

Farewell of Pak-Turk Teachers: Symbolic Burial of a Heart

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News