Where: Lecture Room 2D2, Social Science Complex, University of Bristol, Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TN

Speakers

• Prof Paul Weller, University of Derby
• Prof Gavin D'Costa, University of Bristol

Abstract

Paul Weller will provide an overview of key themes drawn from within the chapters of his new co-edited (together with Ihsan Yilmaz of Fatih University, Istanbul) book on European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement, that were written by a range of authors, including Professor Weller himself. The book, overall, deals with the challenges and opportunities faced by Muslims and the wider society in Europe following the Madrid train bombings of 2004 and the London Transport attacks of 2005. Paul Weller's talk will highlight how the book's chapters explore the challenges to the concept and practice of civility in public life within a European context, together with the evidence presented and arguments made by the authors about how far the thought and practice of the global movement inspired by the Turkish Muslim scholar Fethullah Gülen can make a contribution in these matters. Professor Weller's overview of the book will touch on key perspectives from Fethullah Gülen on Muslim identity and public life in Europe; on civility, co-existence and integration; on the movement's development in a variety of different European contexts, especially in the Netherlands, France, Germany and Northern Ireland, and on the movement's role in challenging terrorism. He will also provide some insight into the position adopted by Fethullah Gülen in relation to Turkey's possible future membership of the European Union

Biography of Paul Weller

Paul Weller (Cert Ed, MA, MPhil, PhD, DLitt) is Professor of Inter-Religious Relations at the University of Derby and Head of Research and Commercial Development in its Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences; Visiting Fellow in the Oxford Centre for Christianity and Culture at Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford; and a Trustee of the Multi-Faith Centre at the University of Derby. His current research interests involve issues in the relationships between religion, state and society, and religion or belief, discrimination and equal opportunities, in relation to which he is heading up a national research project within the Religion and Society Research Programme on "Religion and Belief, Discrimination and Equality in England and Wales: Theory, Policy and Practice (2000-2010):" (seehttp://www.derby.ac.uk/religion-and-society). His recent publications include: • Time for a Change: Reconfiguring Religion, State and Society ( London: T. & T. Clark, 2005) • Religious Diversity in the UK: Contours and Issues (London: Continuum, 2008) • A Mirror for our Times: 'The Rushdie Affair and the Future of Multiculturalism (London: Continuum, 2009) • He has previously also published on "Fethullah Gülen, Religions, Globalisation and Dialogue", in R. Hunt and Y. Aslandoğan (eds.), Muslim Citizens of the Globalized World: Contributions of the Gülen Movement (Somerset, NJ: The Light Inc. and IID Press, 2006).

Biography of Prof Gavin D'Costa

Gavin D'Costa was born in Kenya, East Africa. He came to England in 1968 and completed a first degree in English and Theology at Birmingham University. He studied at the University of Cambridge for his doctorate and then taught in London. His doctoral work on John Hick's theology of religions led him into work with the Church of England and Roman Catholic Committees on Other Faiths, advising these communities on theological issues. He also advises the Pontifical Council for Other Faiths, Vatican City. In 1998 he was visiting Professor at the Gregorian University, Rome. He started teaching in Bristol in 1993.

Photos

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement

European Muslims, Civility and Public Life: Perspectives on and From the Gülen Movement