At the same time, we will serve as a resource, encouraging people from differing traditions to gather both online and in real time for dialogue, reflection, and action that will enrich the lives of all. It fosters an interdisciplinary discourse in order to arrive at a better, integrated understanding of religious phenomena. In addition, the Society encourages research in the development of religion with particular reference to the Canadian scene. Finally, the Society promotes a critical examination of the goals, methods, and styles of teaching demanded by the discipline. English and French are the official languages of the Society.
Members are free to participate in the proceedings in either language.
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. The International Association for the History of Religions serves to promote the academic study of religions through the international collaboration of all scholars whose research has a bearing on the subject. It consists in principle of its member associations which are established in various countries and regions throughout the world. The IAHR was founded as an organization in 1950 on the occasion of the VIIth International Congress for the History of Religions, held in Amsterdam. The first Congress in the series was held in Paris in 1900.