Dear participants,

Homoeopathy is a fascinating method of healing. Since the days of Hahnemann, it has remained a multi-faceted and very lively subject, partly as a result of the ongoing external debate with proponents of conventional medicine and partly from the constant effort within homoeopathy to refine treatment for the patient's benefit. As organisers, we wish this process to be stimulated by the Jubilee Congress Celebrating LINKS, and to establish a forum for a real exchange on a personal level.

The years gone by have shown homoeopathy continues to struggle for recognition in nearly every country, and in some, struggle to prevent the conditions for pursuing this method from deteriorating further. In the face of this, all homoeopaths are called upon to work together, for only in this way can we make the best possible effort on behalf of our method. For this reason, we are particularly happy that this congress can take place with the joint support of ECH and ECCH, the European umbrella organisations of homoeopathic doctors and homoeopathic practitioners.

We are very happy to be able to make a contribution in this way to the cross-linking of the homoeopathic community, a central objective of HOMŒOPATHIC LINKS's efforts for as long as it has existed.

It is characteristic of many homoeopaths to approach the individual case in a flexible manner and to integrate various approaches in the patient's interest. In this way, homoeopathy's power is made effective for as many patients as possible. For this reason, the congress is an ideal occasion to become better acquainted with colleagues' efforts and to discuss them with experienced homoeopaths.

From the standpoint of content, the emphasis of the event is placed upon the recent developments of homoeopathy, which have been reflected in LINKS since its founding 20 years ago. But we are aware of the fact that these developments are only conceivable based on the firm foundation of classical homoeopathy, and are supplemental to this method, which has proven its value so well. Thus, classical homoeopathy will accompany us throughout the entire congress, and time and again, the arch that leads from new developments back to the foundations will be traced.

In this way, the congress is a forum for all homoeopaths. For, given all the differences in detail among various approaches within homoeopathy, the common foundations are easily overlooked. In this spirit, we hope for a lively exchange, but also a critical debate on new and old ways in homoeopathic practice.

We are happy to welcome you to Heidelberg!