Within a framework of social movements theory, this paper first examines the reasons people join social networks. It details how participation in such networks benefits individuals and contributes to the development of pluralist democratic societies. Next, it moves on to examine the nature of multiple belongings of participants in the Gülen Movement and the effects of participation in its service-networks on the lives of individuals, communities and society up to the global scale. It then examines some of the criticisms made of the network structure of the Movement and concludes with an assessment of the significance of the Gülen Movement for future and continued peaceful coexistence, civil society and democratization.

Muhammed Çetin received his master’s degree from the University of Leicester and his PhD in Sociology from the University of Derby, UK. He has worked as lecturer, Vice Rector and Ministerial Adviser in Turkmenistan. He was a Visiting Scholar in the Religious Studies Department of the University of Houston and also in the Sociology Department of UT-Austin from 2003–2008. He worked in a voluntary capacity as the President of the Institute of Interfaith Dialog, USA from 2002–2008 and has served as organizer and speaker for a number of Interfaith Conferences and cultural activities. He is currently the publications coordinator of the Institute of Interfaith Dialog, USA and a columnist for the international daily Today’s Zaman in Turkey. He is the author and producer of the DVD documentaries ‘Rumi and Universal Love and Dialogue’ and ‘Call to prayer’. His latest book is The Gülen Movement: Civic service without borders (2009), Blue Dome, New York.