Weller locates Hizmet’s origins and development in Turkey, emerging interactively with Fethullah ... more Weller locates Hizmet’s origins and development in Turkey, emerging interactively with Fethullah Gülen as a Muslim scholar and teacher of a dynamic expression of Islam which inspired businesspeople and students to realise their faith through initiatives of hizmet, or service. The chapter discusses how these initiatives developed from the opening of educational opportunities to pious Muslims whose horizons had been previously restricted; through the creation of dialogue initiatives that provided fora for people to engage across deep historical fissures between the religious and the secular; to engagement in work for the relief of poverty. From these three foci, which became characteristic of Hizmet initiatives throughout the world, Hizmet further grew into a network of business associations and media organisations, thereby achieving considerable reach and influence in Turkey. Following the end of the USSR, the chapter traces how Hizmet’s educational initiatives spread into formerly S...
This chapter forms the descriptive core and foundation for how the book subsequently moves into a... more This chapter forms the descriptive core and foundation for how the book subsequently moves into a more critical and evaluative discussion of a range of key issues within Hizmet’s transitions in Europe from its first appearance until the traumatic impact of the events of July 2016 in Turkey. Together with a European overview, the chapter especially traces Hizmet’s development within each of the countries of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, before briefly touching on its presence and activity in a number of other Scandinavian, Eastern and Central European countries. In doing so, it especially draws upon primary research material derived from interviews with a range of key individuals in Hizmet who have been publicly associated with it in the countries concerned, while also setting these sources within the descriptive and analytical contributions of other relevant literature.
The chapter traces how what some see as a previously close relationship between Turkey’s ruling A... more The chapter traces how what some see as a previously close relationship between Turkey’s ruling AKP party and Hizmet deteriorated from that of conflict over corruption charges in relation to the government; through the Gezi Park protests; and down to the events of July 2016 and their aftermath. It takes the MV Mavi Marmara incident as illustrative of the distinctive and differentiated approach to such issues taken by Fethullah Gülen compared with that of Turkish Islamists and nationalists. The profound trauma of 15 July 2016 and its aftermath is laid bare through personal interview testimonies of Hizmet asylum-seekers and others directly impacted by this, while its indirect effects upon Hizmet individuals and initiatives previously established in Europe are also discussed. Finally, Weller identifies the emergence in Europe of what he calls a “three-layered Hizmet” consisting of early migrants, a generation of more recently emerging leaders and the new arrivals post-July 2016.
The concluding chapter traces the emerging recognition within Hizmet in Europe that, while Hizmet... more The concluding chapter traces the emerging recognition within Hizmet in Europe that, while Hizmet’s values to do with education, dialogue and the relief of poverty may continue into the future, they should not be replicated in a “copy-paste” manner. Rather, in Hizmet’s future trajectories, these values will need always to be contextually reconsidered and reinvented, taking account of national differences and changing human needs. Indeed, Weller argues that, alongside its “de-centring” from Turkey, Hizmet in Europe (and internationally) is becoming more of a networking of diverse experience than a common but differentiated programme. And this is all happening in a period during which Hizmet in Europe will increasingly need to prepare for a future without the person of Fethullah Gülen in which it will need itself to find ways of appropriately building upon his heritage of a properly confident Islamic engagement, informed by self-criticism, with a focus on the human.
As the philosophy of neoliberalism etches itself into the economic, political, and social landsca... more As the philosophy of neoliberalism etches itself into the economic, political, and social landscape, studying its effects on those least capable of protecting themselves must become a focal concern. With over one billion children living in poverty, 400 million lacking clean drinking water, and 165 million under the age of five experiencing stunted growth because of malnutrition, it appears that neoliberal policies place youth in the most precarious situations (United Nations Development Programme 2007). Youth, who represent our future and yet are the most vunerable to the current system, must be at the center of the study of neoliberalism (Ossei-Owusu 2012). This article reviews literature on the various ways neoliberal shifts in the economy, social policy, and culture affect youth crime and its control by examining critical scholarship in three overlapping areas: juvenile justice, education, and consumerism. Following the review of current literature, this article discusses the imp...
This is a summary of a large ecumenical research report, Leadership and ministry, lay and ordaine... more This is a summary of a large ecumenical research report, Leadership and ministry, lay and ordained: insights from rural multi-church groups, which explores leadership and the development of the ministry of lay people in rural multi-church groups. Leadership of multichurch groups is complex and often difficult. It requires engagement with and understanding of diverse contexts; listening, theological reflection, vision and planning; skills in training and enabling of others. It is important to emphasise that all these skills are rarely found in a single person and so to be most effective in mission, ministry, leadership needs to be collaborative. This is particularly so in rural multi-church contexts where the distances and distinct communities involved accentuate many of the challenges shared by local churches in all contexts.
I am writing this article out of the context of what I appreciate is only one small corner of the... more I am writing this article out of the context of what I appreciate is only one small corner of the world, and where what is happening may or may not seem to others in other parts of the world to be of any particular importance compared with a great many other more global challenges such as poverty, war and climate change; or indeed, to be linked in any significant way with their own historical or contemporary national, political or geographical contexts.
This paper takes as its starting point a description and analysis of a concrete training programm... more This paper takes as its starting point a description and analysis of a concrete training programme and community of practice (Belieforama-http://www. belieforama.eu) that seeks to address and embody a focus on lived experience and narratives, while going on to identify some lessons that might be drawn from this. Belieforama includes a generic training that addresses Religious Diversity and Anti-Discrimination; specific trainings on Overcoming Islamophobia, on Overcoming Antisemitism, and on Reconciling Religion, Gender and Sexual Orientation; and, finally, on Facilitation Skills and Taking Action. Over 2,000 people have taken part. It has won prizes for quality adult learning from the European Commission's Lifelong Learning Programme, and also the BMW Group's First Prize for Intercultural Commitment. Its approach was developed with input from both "religious" and "non-religious" organisations and people. It has been tested in a variety of national, language and other contexts. It works by drawing, in an interactive and inclusive way, on the lived experience and narrative of participants, aiming to bring them into better personal consciousness and also to take responsibility for action. This article highlights the learning reported by participants in Belieforama and discusses this with reference to wider potential lessons for a Europe of religion and belief diversity as well as specific recommendations relating to the European Union.This report is the product of a consultancy project funded with support from the European Commission (504667-LLP-1-2009-1-BE- GRUNDTVIG-GMP)
By particular reference to the polity of the uk, this article discusses issues and options for gr... more By particular reference to the polity of the uk, this article discusses issues and options for groups identified as “religious minorities” in relation to issues of “religious freedom”. It does so by seeking to ensure that such contemporary socio-legal discussions are rooted empirically in the full diversity of the uk’s contemporary religious landscape, while taking account of (especially) 19th century (mainly Christian) historical antecedents. It argues that properly to understand the expansion in scope and substance of religious freedom achieved in the 19th century that account needs to be taken of the agency of the groups that benefited from this. Finally, it argues this history can be seen as a “preconfiguration” of the way in which religious minorities have themselves acted as key drivers for change in relevant 20th and 21st century uk law and social policy and could continue to do so in possible futures post-Brexit Referendum.
Weller locates Hizmet’s origins and development in Turkey, emerging interactively with Fethullah ... more Weller locates Hizmet’s origins and development in Turkey, emerging interactively with Fethullah Gülen as a Muslim scholar and teacher of a dynamic expression of Islam which inspired businesspeople and students to realise their faith through initiatives of hizmet, or service. The chapter discusses how these initiatives developed from the opening of educational opportunities to pious Muslims whose horizons had been previously restricted; through the creation of dialogue initiatives that provided fora for people to engage across deep historical fissures between the religious and the secular; to engagement in work for the relief of poverty. From these three foci, which became characteristic of Hizmet initiatives throughout the world, Hizmet further grew into a network of business associations and media organisations, thereby achieving considerable reach and influence in Turkey. Following the end of the USSR, the chapter traces how Hizmet’s educational initiatives spread into formerly S...
This chapter forms the descriptive core and foundation for how the book subsequently moves into a... more This chapter forms the descriptive core and foundation for how the book subsequently moves into a more critical and evaluative discussion of a range of key issues within Hizmet’s transitions in Europe from its first appearance until the traumatic impact of the events of July 2016 in Turkey. Together with a European overview, the chapter especially traces Hizmet’s development within each of the countries of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, before briefly touching on its presence and activity in a number of other Scandinavian, Eastern and Central European countries. In doing so, it especially draws upon primary research material derived from interviews with a range of key individuals in Hizmet who have been publicly associated with it in the countries concerned, while also setting these sources within the descriptive and analytical contributions of other relevant literature.
The chapter traces how what some see as a previously close relationship between Turkey’s ruling A... more The chapter traces how what some see as a previously close relationship between Turkey’s ruling AKP party and Hizmet deteriorated from that of conflict over corruption charges in relation to the government; through the Gezi Park protests; and down to the events of July 2016 and their aftermath. It takes the MV Mavi Marmara incident as illustrative of the distinctive and differentiated approach to such issues taken by Fethullah Gülen compared with that of Turkish Islamists and nationalists. The profound trauma of 15 July 2016 and its aftermath is laid bare through personal interview testimonies of Hizmet asylum-seekers and others directly impacted by this, while its indirect effects upon Hizmet individuals and initiatives previously established in Europe are also discussed. Finally, Weller identifies the emergence in Europe of what he calls a “three-layered Hizmet” consisting of early migrants, a generation of more recently emerging leaders and the new arrivals post-July 2016.
The concluding chapter traces the emerging recognition within Hizmet in Europe that, while Hizmet... more The concluding chapter traces the emerging recognition within Hizmet in Europe that, while Hizmet’s values to do with education, dialogue and the relief of poverty may continue into the future, they should not be replicated in a “copy-paste” manner. Rather, in Hizmet’s future trajectories, these values will need always to be contextually reconsidered and reinvented, taking account of national differences and changing human needs. Indeed, Weller argues that, alongside its “de-centring” from Turkey, Hizmet in Europe (and internationally) is becoming more of a networking of diverse experience than a common but differentiated programme. And this is all happening in a period during which Hizmet in Europe will increasingly need to prepare for a future without the person of Fethullah Gülen in which it will need itself to find ways of appropriately building upon his heritage of a properly confident Islamic engagement, informed by self-criticism, with a focus on the human.
As the philosophy of neoliberalism etches itself into the economic, political, and social landsca... more As the philosophy of neoliberalism etches itself into the economic, political, and social landscape, studying its effects on those least capable of protecting themselves must become a focal concern. With over one billion children living in poverty, 400 million lacking clean drinking water, and 165 million under the age of five experiencing stunted growth because of malnutrition, it appears that neoliberal policies place youth in the most precarious situations (United Nations Development Programme 2007). Youth, who represent our future and yet are the most vunerable to the current system, must be at the center of the study of neoliberalism (Ossei-Owusu 2012). This article reviews literature on the various ways neoliberal shifts in the economy, social policy, and culture affect youth crime and its control by examining critical scholarship in three overlapping areas: juvenile justice, education, and consumerism. Following the review of current literature, this article discusses the imp...
This is a summary of a large ecumenical research report, Leadership and ministry, lay and ordaine... more This is a summary of a large ecumenical research report, Leadership and ministry, lay and ordained: insights from rural multi-church groups, which explores leadership and the development of the ministry of lay people in rural multi-church groups. Leadership of multichurch groups is complex and often difficult. It requires engagement with and understanding of diverse contexts; listening, theological reflection, vision and planning; skills in training and enabling of others. It is important to emphasise that all these skills are rarely found in a single person and so to be most effective in mission, ministry, leadership needs to be collaborative. This is particularly so in rural multi-church contexts where the distances and distinct communities involved accentuate many of the challenges shared by local churches in all contexts.
I am writing this article out of the context of what I appreciate is only one small corner of the... more I am writing this article out of the context of what I appreciate is only one small corner of the world, and where what is happening may or may not seem to others in other parts of the world to be of any particular importance compared with a great many other more global challenges such as poverty, war and climate change; or indeed, to be linked in any significant way with their own historical or contemporary national, political or geographical contexts.
This paper takes as its starting point a description and analysis of a concrete training programm... more This paper takes as its starting point a description and analysis of a concrete training programme and community of practice (Belieforama-http://www. belieforama.eu) that seeks to address and embody a focus on lived experience and narratives, while going on to identify some lessons that might be drawn from this. Belieforama includes a generic training that addresses Religious Diversity and Anti-Discrimination; specific trainings on Overcoming Islamophobia, on Overcoming Antisemitism, and on Reconciling Religion, Gender and Sexual Orientation; and, finally, on Facilitation Skills and Taking Action. Over 2,000 people have taken part. It has won prizes for quality adult learning from the European Commission's Lifelong Learning Programme, and also the BMW Group's First Prize for Intercultural Commitment. Its approach was developed with input from both "religious" and "non-religious" organisations and people. It has been tested in a variety of national, language and other contexts. It works by drawing, in an interactive and inclusive way, on the lived experience and narrative of participants, aiming to bring them into better personal consciousness and also to take responsibility for action. This article highlights the learning reported by participants in Belieforama and discusses this with reference to wider potential lessons for a Europe of religion and belief diversity as well as specific recommendations relating to the European Union.This report is the product of a consultancy project funded with support from the European Commission (504667-LLP-1-2009-1-BE- GRUNDTVIG-GMP)
By particular reference to the polity of the uk, this article discusses issues and options for gr... more By particular reference to the polity of the uk, this article discusses issues and options for groups identified as “religious minorities” in relation to issues of “religious freedom”. It does so by seeking to ensure that such contemporary socio-legal discussions are rooted empirically in the full diversity of the uk’s contemporary religious landscape, while taking account of (especially) 19th century (mainly Christian) historical antecedents. It argues that properly to understand the expansion in scope and substance of religious freedom achieved in the 19th century that account needs to be taken of the agency of the groups that benefited from this. Finally, it argues this history can be seen as a “preconfiguration” of the way in which religious minorities have themselves acted as key drivers for change in relevant 20th and 21st century uk law and social policy and could continue to do so in possible futures post-Brexit Referendum.
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