Call for Proposals

In addition to receiving proposals on topics generally in the purview of the Section, which encompasses both domestic and global interconnections of religion and politics in both practice and theory, we especially welcome proposals that address the following:

• The politics of defining “religion” — papers might engage the issue in the context of emerging democracies, minority religions, or theological/philosophical questions
• Religious perspectives on civic engagement and activism
• Mormonism in American politics; i.e., the nature and significance of the construction of Mormonism in the political arena, particularly during the current presidential campaign (for a cosponsorship with the Mormon Studies Group)
• Religious freedom and United States foreign policy
• Conscience clauses in American law and policy
• Ecology and the environment, especially interfaith, transnational movements, and organizations

Mission

This Section provides a forum for scholars and professionals interested in the relationships between religion, the state, and political life, both in the United States and around the world. Our members focus on the interaction between religious and political values, movements, and commitments, and the role of religious individuals and communities in bodies politic. This focus includes attention to the ways in which religion and religious actors participate in public discourse, contribute to debates over public values and social policy, and affect — and are affected by — activity in the political sphere. We welcome members doing both normative and descriptive work from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, including religious studies, political science, philosophy, social ethics, law (including church-state studies), history (as it relates to contemporary understandings), and theology. We seek to advance scholarly inquiry on religion and politics and we seek also to speak to broad and diverse publics about areas falling under this Section’s purview.

Anonymity of Review Process

Proposals are anonymous to Chairs and steering committee members during review, but visible to Chairs prior to final acceptance or rejection.

Questions?

Erik Owens
Boston College
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Najeeba Syeed-Miller
Claremont School of Theology
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Method of Submission