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The war on Iraq casts its shadow over this issue of IHN. Anti-war protests around the world show an awakening moral conscience with which politicians and decision-makers must contend. In recent years, activists have made their voice heard on global issues. People’s power will be an important factor in influencing world developments in the decades to come – a much-needed corrective in a unipolar world. IHEU, of course, added its own voice of protest (see p. 4).

A key theme of this issue is the visit of an IHEU delegation to Andhra Pradesh, India. Andhra Pradesh (my home state!) is remarkable for its rich and long tradition of Humanist and rationalist activity (pp. 7–13). Despite the generally deplorable situation in Hindu nationalist- dominated India, hope is kindled when we see the efforts of our courageous colleagues.

Meanwhile in Europe, recent attempts to bring God into the European Union Constitution have highlighted once again the need for Humanists to be vigilant in order to keep Europe’s institutions non- discriminatory (pp. 14–15). The European Humanist Federation has an important role to play in European affairs and in stimulating Humanist groups in Europe to take a pro-active stance to defend what has already been achieved.

The forthcoming General Assembly of IHEU, to be held in May in Washington DC, is planned as a different kind of GA leading to greater involvement of member organizations in IHEU work. Levi Fragell, with whom I have had the privilege of working for over five years, will step down as IHEU President to concentrate on Humanism in Norway (p. 5). Levi was instrumental in increasing the membership of the Norwegian Humanist Association from a few thousands to nearly 65,000 today. Cultivating Humanism can be adventurous, and Levi has had his own adventures: as a young teacher on a sparsely populated island close to the North Pole; as a Humanist leader campaigning in Nigeria or Pakistan; and, of course, as the only one daring to take a dip in the choppy sea at Chirala beach in India!

Here’s wishing you many more adventures, Levi!