The Association for the Sociology of Religion (ASR) is an academic association with more than 700 members worldwide. It publishes a journal, Sociology of Religion, and holds meetings at the same venues and times as the American Sociological Association.

History

The ASR was founded by Catholic sociologists in Chicago in 1938 as the American Catholic Sociological Society. The organization adopted its present name in 1970, reflecting changes in the Vatican's policy that led to greater openness towards other faiths. It has long since become a base for sociological research on religion without regard to belief, creed, or religious orientation.

Activities

The association publishes a journal, Sociology of Religion, as well as a quarterly newsletter. It is the co-publisher of an annual series entitled Religion and the Social Order. The association provides research grants. The ASR, which has over 700 members worldwide, continues its historical practice of holding its meetings at the same venues and times as the American Sociological Association, allowing mutual cross-fertilization between the two associations. Past presidents of the ASR include David G. Bromley, James T. Richardson, Eileen Barker Benton Johnson, and Christopher G. Ellison.

Presidents