Ellington

The Dialogue Institute SW is a part of a larger network of organizations inspired by the teachings of Fethullah Gülen, who is accused of being connected to the attempted coup today in Turkey. Mississippi Representative Fatih Ozcan released this verbatim statement tonight:

Dear Friends,

We are deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in Turkey right now and joining following statement of Allience for shared values. below. There have been several civilian losses, police officers killed in the line of duty, and now there are reports of bombings at the Turkish Parliament. We believe in and are proud of Turkey's democratic process, even though we often find ourselves at odds with the policies of the current Turkish administration, they're recent records, and internal corruption. A military coup defies that democratic process, and we stand opposed to such a hostile and violent attempt at toppling democratically elected government in Turkey.

Please pray for Turkey, and the safety of those caught in between this ongoing struggle, and for France as it recovers from last nights horrific attack.

Statement by Alliance for Shared Values on Developments in Turkey

July 15, 2016

News media reported about developments in Turkey today regarding actions of Turkish Armed Forces.

For more than 40 years, Fethullah Gulen and Hizmet participants have advocated for, and demonstrated their commitment to, peace and democracy. We have consistently denounced military interventions in domestic politics. These are core values of Hizmet participants. We condemn any military intervention in domestic politics of Turkey.

Events on the ground are moving quickly and it would be irresponsible for us to speculate on them. We remain concerned about the safety and security of Turkish citizens and those in Turkey right now.

Comments by pro-Erdogan circles about the movement are highly irresponsible.

About Alliance for Shared Values

The Alliance for Shared Values (AFSV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a voice for dialogue organizations affiliated with Hizmet, a civil society movement inspired by prominent preacher and peace advocate Fethullah Gülen. Based in New York, the Alliance strives to promote peace and to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against any or all ethnic, cultural and religious communities. To learn more about the Alliance please visit www.afsv.org.

About Fethullah Gülen

Fethullah Gülen is an Islamic scholar, preacher and social advocate, whose decades-long commitment to interfaith tolerance and altruism has inspired millions in Turkey and around the world. Gülen is the honorary chairman of the Rumi Forum, Washington, DC; the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Brussels, Belgium; and the Foundation of Journalists and Writers, Istanbul, Turkey.

Fatih Ozcan

Mississippi Representative

The Dialogue Institute SW