David was a good friend, I had the opportunity to spend many hours with him, he was also gracious to accept and sit on our Advisory Board at @rumiforum . May he rest in peace! ❤️

It is with deep sorrow that the Rumi Forum mourns the passing of Professor John Esposito — a longtime friend of our organization, a former member of our Advisory Board, and an influential scholar of Islam and Muslim-Christian relations. As a prolific author of more than 45 books, Professor Esposito devoted his life to building bridges of understanding between faiths and cultures. At a time when fear and misunderstanding too often dominated public discourse, he spoke with clarity, courage, and compassion. For the Rumi Forum, he was more than a renowned scholar — he was a generous mentor, a steadfast supporter of interfaith dialogue, and a cherished friend whose wisdom and warmth graced our community for many years. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Dr. Jean Esposito, his family, colleagues, and students around the world. His legacy of dialogue, scholarship, and peace will continue to inspire our work. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Rumi Forum's 2025–2026 Annual Report is here! bit.ly/RumiForumAnnualReport Over the past activity year, Rumi Forum continued its mission of building relationships, advancing religious literacy, and strengthening social trust through dialogue and community engagement. Together with our incredible partners, supporters, volunteers, and participants, we: • Hosted 43 events • Engaged 2,344 participants • Collaborated with 37 partner organizations From interfaith Iftars and Scriptural Reasoning sessions to public conversations, young professional programs, film discussions, conferences, and collaborative initiatives like faith250, every gathering reflected our belief that meaningful dialogue has the power to bring people together across differences. To every partner, donor, volunteer, speaker, and participant who walked alongside us this year—thank you! Your trust, generosity, and commitment made this work possible. #HizmetCares

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States this Fourth of July, we honor the enduring ideals that have inspired generations: liberty, equality, justice, and the promise that people of every background can build a shared future together. This Independence Day, may we renew our commitment to being bridge-builders in our communities, protecting the dignity of every person, and carrying forward the unfinished work of creating a more just, compassionate, and united nation. Happy Independence Day, and Happy 250th Anniversary, America! 🇺🇸 #July4 #America250 #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay #HizmetCares

What a beautiful way to welcome the 250th anniversary of independence! 🇺🇸 Over the past five months, people from different faith traditions and backgrounds came together to discuss important American texts and to witness how faith can contribute to the common good. This week, our faith250 cluster gathered for a potluck dinner to mark the conclusion of our conversation series. The evening reflected everything faith250 has been about: engaging conversations, delicious food, and a shared commitment to building a more united future. A special thank you to St. Peter's in the Woods Episcopal Church for graciously hosting our final gathering and for their generous hospitality! While this chapter of faith250 has come to a close, our work is far from over. In the months ahead, we'll be announcing new events together with our faith community partners. Here's to continuing to build bridges! #America250 #Interfaith #Dialogue #Community #HizmetCares

Today, we are delighted to welcome Hakan Atasever as the new Executive Director of Rumi Forum. With more than two decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and intercultural dialogue, Hakan brings a deep commitment to service and a lifelong passion for building understanding across cultures and faiths. As we begin this new season, we are excited for our community to get to know Hakan and to join us in supporting his leadership. We are confident that, under his guidance, Rumi Forum will continue to expand its impact and advance its mission of dialogue, education, and service. Please join us in giving Hakan a warm welcome to the Rumi Forum family. We look forward to the journey ahead! #RumiForum #Leadership #InterfaithDialogue #BridgeBuilding #Community #Service #HizmetCares

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A recent Chronicle of Philanthropy article highlights the work of faith250, a growing interfaith initiative that brings Americans together to engage the founding ideals of our democracy through respectful dialogue, reflection, and relationship-building. @Philanthropy philanthropy.com/news/a-reli…

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we are encouraged to see the growing impact of faith250 project across Virginia and beyond. A recent article by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia features faith250 gatherings in Northern Virginia that have brought together faith communities to engage in meaningful conversations about our shared civic values and hopes for the future. episcopalvirginia.org/storie… Rumi Forum is honored to be among the partners helping cultivate these spaces for listening, reflection, and relationship-building. At a time when division often dominates public life, faith250 reminds us that faith communities can serve as bridges of understanding and catalysts for civic renewal. #faith250 #America250 #Interfaith #Dialogue #CivicRenewal #RumiForum

Eid al-Adha reminds us of the enduring values of faith, sacrifice, gratitude, generosity, and care for one another. We extend our warmest wishes to all observing this sacred occasion! #EidAlAdha #eidmubarak

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this day also invites us to reflect on the ideals, sacrifices, and shared responsibilities that continue to shape our common life as a nation. May this milestone anniversary become an opportunity to renew our commitment to one another and to the values that strengthen our civic life: dignity, compassion, service, and the common good. #MemorialDay #America250

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The fourth gathering of the Burke-Springfield faith250 cluster was held at the Abiding Presence Lutheran Church this week. The evening brought together neighbors from diverse faith communities to reflect on the values and ideals that continue to shape our common life as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. faith250 invites congregations to serve as sacred spaces for listening across differences, strengthening relationships, and exploring the shared civic values that bind us together as one people. In a time of polarization and division, these conversations remind us that our differences need not separate us; rather, they can become opportunities for learning, empathy, and a renewed commitment to the common good. We are grateful to all who joined us and contributed their voices, stories, and insights! #Faith250 #America250 #HizmetCares

Rumi Forum's Center for Faith, Identity, and Globalization is pleased to release its latest publication by our 2026 Hizmet Scholar, Semih Kıyma, titled “Enduring Persecution: A Theo-Ethical Framework in Fethullah Gülen’s Post-2016 Discourse.” Drawing on an in-depth analysis of 160 of Fethullah Gülen’s video speeches, Semih's paper explores how Gülen interpreted suffering, persecution, and moral responsibility in the aftermath of the July 15, 2016 "coup attempt" in Turkey and the subsequent crackdown on the Hizmet Movement. The paper situates these discussions within broader conversations on Islamic ethics, nonviolent resistance, and religious responses to state persecution. It also examines how theological narratives can shape communal behavior during periods of crisis—particularly whether suffering becomes a justification for retaliation and repression or instead a call to moral discipline, patience, and resilience. Read the full paper here, rumiforum.org/wp-content/upl…

What an inspiring evening on May 1! Our screening of The Sultan and The Saint at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle brought together voices from different backgrounds to reflect on faith, dialogue, and peace. Grateful for the conversations and connections that continue beyond the film. Special thanks to the Cathedral of St. Matthew Social Justice and Community Service Committee and the St. Anthony of Nagasaki Secular Franciscan Fraternity for their partnership and support. #InterfaithDialogue #Community #FaithInAction #Peace #Dialogue #HizmetCares

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National Day of Prayer virtual event - Thursday, May 7 Join this meaningful observance of the National Day of Prayer hosted by @braverangels, bringing together voices from diverse backgrounds for a thoughtful reflection on faith, civic life, and shared values. This special event will include a reflection on the Gettysburg Address and its enduring moral vision—inviting participants to consider how faith and civic responsibility intersect in today’s polarized moment. 🔗 Register here: eventbrite.com/e/national-da… #NationalDayofPrayer #FaithInAction #America250

Grateful for an evening that truly embodied the spirit of interfaith dialogue and community ✨ Rumi Forum was honored to take part in the Potluck Project’s DC gathering held on April 23 at Friends Meeting of Washington. Bringing together members of different faith communities, this gathering created a warm and welcoming space for meaningful connection. We look forward to continuing this momentum—creating more spaces where dialogue can flourish and communities can come together in meaningful ways. #InterfaithDialogue #CommunityBuilding #PotluckProject #WashingtonDC #FaithInAction