Gus Yahya focuses on interfaith dialogue and strengthening Islamic movements

Jombang (ANTARA) - The former General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf, also known as Gus Yahya, has emphasised that he will refocus his efforts on interfaith dialogue and the strengthening of the Humanitarian Islam movement.

Gus Yahya stated on Tuesday that this focus will be implemented through several international institutions he has established, including the Centre for Shared Civilisational Values (CSCV).

“The foundation established by me, which serves as the permanent secretariat to manage and oversee the global movement of the Religion of Twenty (R20) forum, is the Centre for Shared Civilisational Values (CSCV),” said Gus Yahya in a statement in Jombang on Tuesday.

According to him, the CSCV serves as the permanent secretariat managing the global R20 forum movement, which brings together religious leaders from various countries to build dialogue regarding shared civilisational values.

In addition to the CSCV, Gus Yahya mentioned that he is the founder of a US-based global religious foundation, Bayt ar-Rahmah Li ad-Da’wa al-Islamiyah Rahmatan li al-’Alamin.

“Besides the CSCV, I am also the founder of a US-based global religious foundation named Bayt ar-Rahmah,” he said.

He noted that both institutions have been working alongside PBNU to develop the Humanitarian Islam movement and to organise interfaith dialogue forums involving religious leaders from various nations.

Gus Yahya also shared his international agenda following the conclusion of his leadership term at PBNU. He plans to depart for the United States this coming December to undertake a series of visits and dialogues with various interfaith figures.

“In December, I will depart for the US for a series of visits and dialogues with several interfaith leaders,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Vice General Chairman of YANMU, Syahdhana H. Baswara, stated that his organisation will continue its cooperation with Gus Yahya on several programmes, particularly those related to the welfare of the community.

YANMU is a philanthropic and humanitarian institution that carries out various social, health, and missionary programmes.

“We will continue our programme cooperation with Gus Yahla,” said Syahdhana.