Religious Studies Societies

Religious Studies Societies in Canada:

  • Canadian Society for the Study of Religion
    A national Canadian society providing a forum for those who are involved in the academic study of religion. It also encourages research in the development of religion, with particular reference to the Canadian scene.
     
  • The Canadian Society of Biblical Studies (CSBS)
    This society was formally founded in March 1933. Its main objective is to provide a forum for the critical study of the Bible and related literatures and cultures.
     
  • The Canadian Society of Patristic Studies (CSPS)
    This society was founded in 1975 and meets in Oxford every four years, drawing together about eight hundred scholars from fifty countries.
     
  • Canadian Society of Church History (CSCH)
    Founded in 1960, the Canadian Society of Church History is a non-denominational association dedicated to promoting and encouraging research in the history of Christianity, particularly the history of Christianity in Canada.
     
  • Canadian Theological Society (CTS)
    Founded in 1955 by theologians from McGill University, Queen's University, and Protestant theological colleges in Toronto.

North American and International Societies:

  • AAR - American Academy of Religion 
    "Founded in 1909, the AAR is the world's largest association of academics who research or teach topics related to religion. As a learned society and professional association of teachers and research scholars, the AAR has over 8,000 members who teach in some 1,500 colleges, universities, seminaries, and schools in North America and abroad. The Academy is dedicated to furthering knowledge of religion and religious institutions in all their forms and manifestations. This is accomplished through Academy-wide and regional conferences and meetings, publications, programs, and membership services. At the AAR's annual meeting, over 7,500 scholars gather to share research and collaborate on scholarly projects."
     
  • American Bible Society 
    "The purpose of the American Bible Society is to provide the Holy Scriptures to every man, woman and child in a language and form each can readily understand, and at a price each can easily afford. This purpose, undertaken without doctrinal note or comment, and without profit, is a cause which all Christians and all churches are urged to support."
     
  • Association for Jewish Studies 
    Founded in 1969, the Association for Jewish Studies is a learned society and professional organization that seeks to promote, maintain, and improve teaching, research, and related endeavours in Jewish Studies.
     
  • The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
     
  • American Society of Missiology
    As the ecumenical professional association for mission studies in North America, the American Society of Missiology has more than 600 members.
     
  • The Council of Societies for the Study of Religion 
    "The Council of Societies for the Study of Religion is a federation of learned societies in religion interested in developing greater coordination of the field as a whole. This site contains information about both the CSSR and its constituent societies, an index to Religious Studies Review, and a directory of the nearly 1,600 departments and programs of religious studies in North America."
     
  • Society of Christian Ethics 
    A nondenominational scholarly association with its 900 members from the faculties of universities, colleges, and theological schools primarily from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
     
  • International Association of Buddhist Studies
    "The International Association of Buddhist Studies is a professional organization devoted to the academic study of Buddhism in all its manifestations and from any disciplinary perspective. The IABS publishes a journal, the Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, twice yearly, and meets in conference every three to four years."
     
  • Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies 
    Founded as an outgrowth of three international conferences on Buddhist-Christian Dialogue, held in Hawaii in 1980 and 1984, and in Berkeley, CA, in 1987. Its purpose is to provide information for study, reflection, interchange arising out of Buddhist-Christian encounter.
     
  • Society for Hindu-Christian Studies 
    For scholars and others interested in the study of Hinduism, Christianity, and the interrelations between these two religious traditions. This site provides access to information about the Society and materials related to Hindu-Christian studies.
     
  • The Society for the Scientific Study of Religion 
    Founded in 1949. Its purpose is to communicate research on religion and religious experience. Scholars who are interested in the scientific exploration of religion are invited to join the Society.
     
  • Society for the Study of Chinese Religions 
    This site offers information about scholars interested in the study of Chinese religion and thought. Various activities of the society are also indicated.
     
  • World Council of Churches
    The WCC is the largest Christian ecumenical organization, headquartered in Switzerland. It is a global organization built upon the foundation of ecumenical collaboration.
     
  • The Zen Studies Society
    This society was established in 1956 to assist the Buddhist scholar D. T. Suzuki in his efforts to introduce Zen to the West.