IARF Congress See you in Budapest in 2002?

This issue of the IARF World contains all the information and registration materials for the 31st World Congress, which we are planning to make stimulating and challenging! With a theme of "Religious Freedom: Europe’s Story for Today’s World", this Congress (from 28 July to 2 August, 2002 ) will focus on those who have struggled for religious freedom in Europe, a region which for the past half millennium has exerted a dominating influence in the world economically, culturally, and spiritually.

Dr Karel Blei, a renowned author on religious matters in Europe, will give a special lecture on the new book IARF has commissioned him to write about the evolution of organised religion in Europe. The European members of IARF will also be arranging a series of seminars to convey the voices of those who have struggled to achieve religious liberty, and suffered from its denial, on this vast continent. What better place to hold our convocation than the beautiful city of Budapest on the River Danube crossing the heart of the continent!

On a more global level, we are pleased to announce that Professor Abdelfattah Amor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the question of religious intolerance, has accepted our invitation to give our keynote lecture at this Congress. A panel featuring international experts in the field of religious freedom will also share their perspectives with IARF members on today’s challenges. Presentations such as these will better enable IARF to develop programmes and policies related to our Strategic Plan for 2001-2007, and will help our organisation as a whole to chart plans for the future.

In this context, many different lectures and workshops at the Congress will focus on leading-edge topics such as developing voluntary codes of conduct for religious organisations and examining current trends in religious education. Workshop sessions, daily Circle Groups, worship services, and the "Encounter Area" will allow some expected 500-700 attendees at the Congress to meet in smaller, more intimate settings. As always, these more informal dialogues will constitute an important part of the Congress. A Young Adult Programme from 26-28 July (just prior to the Congress) will enable youth from all over the world to network together before joining other Congress participants.

Finally, cultural and entertainment programmes from Hungary and around the world will add an element of fun and celebration to our event. Participants can also take advantage of several interesting tours during the free afternoon. Exciting post-Congress tours will take place in Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Transylvania and Turkey.

We hope that you will both honour us with your presence at the 2002 Congress and spread the word about it among your own network of friends and associates.