Since its founding the CSSR has drawn both people and resources for the scholarly study of religion in Canada. 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.
Since 1970 the CSSR has been a member of the International Association for the History of Religion . The Canadian Society of Patristic Studies was founded in 1975 during the seventh International Conference of Patristic Studies, which meets in Oxford every four years, drawling together about eight hundred scholars from fifty countries. The CSPS exists to encourage research and to communicate its results to other scholars. Its annual meeting is an important part of the Society's life, as also are its Bulletin , and the Directory of Canadian Patristics scholars. The Society also has an annual undergraduate essay prize.