Gulen Movement & Gulen Institute - Remarks by James Baker

(Video Duration: 1 min 40 secs.)

James Baker

Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, who served under Presidents Reagan and Bush Senior...was the keynote speaker for The Gülen Institute Luncheon Series in Houston, Texas on May 20, 2008. 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:

"The Gülen Institute rigorously -and I think 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 a truly invaluable leadership."

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