Gulen Documentary Screening Brings Community Together for Dialogue in Houston

HOUSTON, TX – November 5, 2026 — Dialogue Institute Houston hosted a special screening of the documentary Gulen: Devoted to Education & Dialogue, bringing together community members, faith leaders, and scholars for an evening of reflection and meaningful conversation.

The program began with a panel moderated by Maral Charyeva and featured Dr. Jill Carroll, a writer, speaker, and scholar, as a guest speaker.

The panel also included distinguished guests:

• Fr. Donald S. Nesti, Founder of the Nesti Center for Faith & Culture
• Rev. Dr. L. James Bankston, Retired Senior Minister of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
• Sonja Earthman Novo, CoL Community Forum

The panelists explored five central questions concerning Fethullah Gülen’s life, vision, legacy, and the broader impact of the Hizmet approach:

• How did Fethullah Gülen’s life experiences shape his vision of education and dialogue?
• What role does interfaith dialogue play in Gülen’s understanding of peaceful coexistence?
• How can the next generation carry forward Gülen’s legacy of education and dialogue?
• How does the Hizmet approach connect faith with service to humanity?
• What lessons from Gülen’s life and the Hizmet experience are most relevant to American society today?

Through their reflections and insights, the panelists examined the importance of education, faith, interfaith engagement, service to humanity, and mutual respect in fostering peaceful coexistence and building stronger communities.

Following the panel, attendees watched the documentary Gulen: Devoted to Education & Dialogue, which offered further insight into Gülen’s lifelong commitment to education, dialogue, and bringing people together across religious and cultural differences.

The gathering reflected Dialogue Institute Houston’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful conversations, strengthening community relationships, and promoting mutual understanding among people of diverse backgrounds.

Held at 9301 W. Bellfort Avenue in Houston, the free event was part of the Institute’s continuing efforts to connect hearts and inspire minds through education, culture, and dialogue.