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PLEASE NOTE: We are working on making updates and edits to finalize the program. If you are searching for something and cannot find it, please reach out to annualmeeting@aarweb.org.

The AAR's inaugural Online June Sessions of the Annual Meetings were held on June 25, 26, and 27, 2024. For program questions, please reach out to annualmeeting@aarweb.org.

This is the preliminary program for the 2024 in-person Annual Meeting, hosted with the Society for Biblical Literature in San Diego, CA - November 23-26. Pre-conference workshops and many committee meetings will be held November 22. If you have questions about the program, contact annualmeeting@aarweb.org. All times are listed in local/Pacific Time.


	A23-439 Vernacular Landscapes and Global Dialogues: Understanding Buddhist Monasticism Seminar Theme: Roundtable: Defining Modern Buddhist Monasticism Globally Saturday, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Convention Center-24A (Upper Level East) Jue Liang, Case Western Reserve University, Presiding The new Vernacular Landscapes and Global Dialogues: Understanding Buddhist Monasticism seminar invites scholars to participate in our inaugural roundtable discussion, titled "Defining Modern Buddhist Monasticism Globally." The seminar seeks to deepen scholarly and public understandings of Buddhist monasticism beyond textual studies, recognizing its significance as a defining aspect of Buddhist traditions worldwide. Over the course of five years, the seminar will explore the intersection of Buddhism with modernity, education, gender, social institutions, and other pertinent themes. Our inaugural roundtable charts the diverse landscape of modern Buddhist monasticism. Presentations will explore the multifaceted definitions and manifestations of Buddhist monasticism in today's world. Additionally, discussions will focus on the unique challenges faced by Buddhist monastic communities and the innovative responses they have devised in response. Panelists Manuel Lopez, New College of Florida Upali Sraman, Sangseraima Ujeed, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Andrew Taylor, College of St. Scholastica Amy P. Langenberg, Eckerd College Xingyi Wang, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Mark Rowe, McMaster University Business Meeting Jue Liang, Case Western Reserve University, Presiding Manuel Lopez, New College of Florida, Presiding
	A23-440 Women and Religion Unit Theme: Faith, Feminism, and the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence: Global Perspectives Saturday, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Convention Center-29B (Upper Level East) Hilary Scarsella, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Presiding This session delves into the nuanced intersections of religion, gender, and activism, presenting a critical exploration of how feminist religious communities and movements navigate the challenges of gender-based violence and feminist identities. From the performative aspects of ecclesial solidarity campaigns like the World Council of Churches' “Thursdays in Black” to the renegotiation of Coptic women's identities outside Egypt, the dynamics of Catholic anti-gender movements, and the construction of an ecclesiology of Chinese women, the session offers a multifaceted examination of faith's role in both perpetuating and challenging gender norms and violence. Through a blend of theoretical critique, empirical analysis, and comparative study, this session seeks to uncover how religious discourses and practices contribute to or combat the marginalization of women and LGBTQ+ communities. The panelists engage in a conversation on the possibilities for meaningful solidarity, resistance, and transformation within religious contexts across the globe, challenging participants to rethink the relationship between faith, gender, and social justice. Sheryl Johnson, Graduate Theological Union Can a shirt prevent violence? Evaluating “Thursdays In Black” as Performative Allyship and/or Accessible Performance of Ecclesial Solidarity Abstract Much criticism has been lodged at performative allyship, which involves superficial appearances of concern that are oriented toward positive perceptions of the so-called “ally.” The concept of performative allyship uses the term “performative” in a colloquial way that indicates a problematic separation between an utterance and its effect, differing from the scholarly usage of the term. Critique of performative allyship will be used as a lens for analysis of the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) “Thursdays in Black” global campaign against gender-based violence. Are there unique elements of this campaign, its global ecclesial context, and the particularities of gender-based violence which render a different perspective on what might initially seem to be simply performative (in the more colloquial sense)? Might participation in the campaign be considered a meaningful “performance” of solidarity, or is it rightly to be dismissed as merely “performative,” benefitting only the public image of leaders who partake? Angela Bernardo, Sapienza University of Rome CopticWomen - Orthodox Coptic Women: Identity, Memories, and Representations of a Religious and Gender Group Abstract Contemporary theorizations on the role of women in the Coptic Orthodox Church follow two prevalent narratives: one emphasizing the “wife-mother” archetype as the guardian of family spirituality, and the other idealizing women as “holy-virgins”. These narratives, rooted in institutional and public discourses and based on the idea of a woman considered “virtuous” only if she fits into one of these categories, has been challenged through migration. This paper aims to analyze the role and positioning of Coptic women within their communities outside of Egypt, with specific reference to their identities, memories, and representations and in relation to the discourses produced by the Church and Coptic intellectuals; this is to ascertain how the identity of Coptic women abroad has been renegotiated, in terms of memories and representations, the impact with a society with cultural references different from those of Egypt, and in relation to the new generations born and raised abroad. Giulia Evolvi, Catholicism and anti-gender movements: hate speech, digital media strategies, and religious discourses against gender and feminism Abstract Anti-gender movements employ conservative Catholic ideologies to oppose same-sex unions, LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and feminism. As these movements’ visibility is growing in the U.S. and Europe, they seek to marginalize, abuse, and restrict the rights of certain citizens. Hence, this presentation seeks to answer the following questions: How do anti-gender groups employ Catholic values as resources for their anti-feminist and pro-family ideologies? What kind of communicative and digital media strategies do they employ to spread their messages? The study employs a mixed-method approach combining interviews and analysis of social media accounts of anti-gender groups. The analysis suggests that these groups use Catholicism to enforce a “us versus them” dynamic that promotes hate speech and violence against women and LGBTQ+ people, but also immigrants and non-white people. In conclusion, the presentation suggests using literature on social movements and media activism to understand the connections between religion, politics, gender, communication, and violence. Yanan Lu, Graduate Theological Union Church as Women's Community: Exploring and Constructing of Ecclesiology of Chinese Women Abstract The Protestant church in mainland China presents a striking and impressive phenomenon: women represent approximately 70% of its believers. These women have played pivotal roles in shaping the history of Christianity in China. However, they find themselves marginalized within the church's power dynamics and theological discourse. In this paper, by drawing inspiration from the ecclesiological understandings of Letty Russel and Elizabeth Schussler Fiorenza, and exploring why and how these Chinese women stayed in the feminized church with male-centric ecclesiology and made their own contributions to the church, my aim is to unravel the unique path of Chinese Christian women have approached the formation of new communities in which being church takes place in a way that is meaningful for them, endowed with spiritual gifts, advocating for partnership leadership and use this kind community as a way to employ subtle resistance and subversion to the patriarchal and hierarchy in the church.
	S23-348/A23-442 AAR's Graduate Student Committee and SBL's Students in the Profession Committee Theme: AAR and SBL Graduate Student Happy Hour Saturday, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Omni-Gallery 1 (First Floor) Graduate student members of the AAR and SBL are invited to a low-key gathering where you can meet with other graduate students, connect with your AAR/SBL student reps, and get a free drink on us! Sponsored by the AAR Graduate Student Committee and the SBL Students in the Profession Committee.
	M23-408 The Asian Pacific American Religions Research Initiative (APARRI) Theme: Asian Pacific American Religions Research Initiative (APARRI) Happy Hour Saturday, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Offsite-Offsite APARRI welcomes new and returning members to a happy hour at the Starlight Outdoor Terrace-Terrace level (Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter) where you can learn about our different grant opportunities, our new media fellows program, and our upcoming conference (June 10-12, 2025 at UC Berkeley). We warmly invite anyone with interests in issues of religion and race in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to attend. Please RSVP by Nov 11 if possible here: https://aparri.org/conference-receptions/. Learn more about us here: https://aparri.org/.
	M23-400 Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Theme: Reception for NetVUE Members and Friends Saturday, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Grand Hyatt-Vista ABC (32nd Level) The Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) is a nationwide campus-supported network to increase the capacity of independent colleges and universities to support undergraduate students as they explore and discern their many callings in life, and as they reflect on questions of meaning, purpose, and identity. Since its launch in 2009, NetVUE has grown rapidly to include over 300 institutions. All SBL and AAR participants are invited to join us for this reception, whether or not their institutions are members of the network. Stop by for a chance to learn more about NetVUE (including faculty development and grant opportunities), to connect with friends and colleagues with similar interests, and to enjoy one another’s company. NetVUE is administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) with support from member dues and the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc.
	M23-405 Religious Studies Review Theme: Religious Studies Review Annual Meeting Saturday, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Hilton Bayfront-Cobalt 501C (Fifth Level) Religious Studies Review (RSR) is a quarterly review of publications across the entire field of religion and related disciplines. RSR is the only publication that provides major review essays and short reviews for over 1,000 titles in religion annually. The editorial staff is composed of professors from all over the world.
	M23-404 Lutheran Scholars Network Theme: Book panel: Jason A. Springs, Restorative Justice and Lived Religion: Transforming Mass Incarceration in Chicago (NYU Press 2024) Saturday, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM Hilton Bayfront-Aqua 311B (Third Level) Christine Helmer, Northwestern University, Presiding Taking a lived religion approach to the study of religious groups in Chicago that offer community-based alternatives to incarceration, Jason Springs’s book illuminates how the combination of pragmatism, political theology, and sociology contribute to transformative politics and justice-seeking. This is an opportunity for the Lutheran Scholars Network to consider the study of lived religion as a resource for a politically engaged constructive theology. Panelists Amy Carr, Western Illinois University James Hill, University of Oklahoma Sarah Jobe, Duke University Rebecca Todd Peters, Elon University Responding Jason Springs, University of Notre Dame
	M23-403 John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics Theme: John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics Reception Saturday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Hilton Bayfront-Indigo Terrace (Second Level) We welcome all our friends and colleagues attending this year’s annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature to join us for a festive reception Saturday night!
	M23-401 Forum for Theological Exploration Theme: Annual Reception Honoring Fellows and Alumni Saturday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Marriott Marquis-San Diego B (North Tower - Lobby Level) Join us for our annual reception honoring fellows and alumni. This year, we are also celebrating FTE's 70th Anniversary!
	M23-402 Interfaith America Theme: Interfaith America Reception Saturday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Marriott Marquis-Pacific Ballroom 23-24 (First Floor) Interfaith America warmly invites you to join us for a reception featuring delicious hors d'oeuvres, a book raffle, exciting new classroom resources, and opportunities to reconnect with friends and meet new ones.
	M23-508 Dallas Theological Seminary Theme: DTS Alumni Dinner Saturday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Offsite-Offsite DTS Alumni are invited to a reception to connect with each other a receive an update on the seminary. Puesto at The Headquarters 789 W Harbor Dr San Diego, CA 92101
	M23-518 Khyentse Foundation Theme: Presentation of 2024 Khyentse Foundation Prize for Outstanding Translation Saturday, 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM Grand Hyatt-America's Cup CD (Fourth Level) The Khyentse Foundation is pleased to announce Trent Walker as the winner of the 2024 Prize for Outstanding Translation, for his book Until Nirvana’s Time: Buddhist Songs from Cambodia (Shambhala Publications, 2022), the first collection of traditional Khmer Buddhist poetry available in English.
	A23-500 American Academy of Religion Theme: Presidential Address: Violence, Nonviolence, and the Margin Saturday, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Hilton Bayfront-Sapphire AEI (Fourth Level) Leela Prasad, Brown University, Presiding Every day, we encounter violence—whether through war, police brutality, sexual assault, or gun violence—and these acts directly or indirectly overshadow our lives. Violence is not limited to physical and visible forms; it is embedded in the structure of our society, our thinking, and our language. How should we respond to violence? Can violence solve the problems caused by violence? Is nonviolence an effective response to pervasive violence? This year's presidential address delves into the meaning and value of nonviolence and its relevance in contemporary society. Violence is often intertwined with a hierarchical view of beings and their worth, which frequently results in the marginalization and oppression of those on the periphery. This raises a critical question: Has religion aligned itself with those at the center or those on the margins? What guidance does it offer to both the center and the margins? In this talk, I invite you to re-envision nonviolence and reconsider the relationship between the margin and the center as a crucial step toward fostering a more equitable and humane society. Panelists Jin Y Park, American University, Washington, D.C.
	M23-503 College Theology Society Theme: Liturgy Saturday, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Omni-Grand A (Fourth Floor) Liturgy sponsored by the College Theology Society
	M23-501 Boston College Theology Dept. & Clough School of Theology & Ministry Theme: Boston College Theology Dept. & Clough School of Theology & Ministry Reception Saturday, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Marriott Marquis-Marriott Grand 4 (Lobby Level) Boston College welcomes Alumni, Faculty, Students and Colleagues to our annual reception. Please join us for drinks, apps and conversation.
	M23-505 University of Pennsylvania Department of Religious Studies Theme: University of Pennsylvania Boardman Reception Saturday, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Marriott Marquis-San Diego C (North Tower - Lobby Level) Please join the University of Pennsylvania Department of Religious Studies for our annual Boardman Reception.
	M23-500 Asbury Theological Seminary and Wesley Biblical Seminary Theme: Asbury Theological Seminary and Wesley Biblical Seminary joint reception Saturday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Marriott Marquis-San Diego A (North Tower - Lobby Level) Asbury Theological Seminary and Wesley Biblical Seminary will be hosting a joint reception.
	M23-502 Brigham Young University Theme: Friends of BYU Reception Saturday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Marriott Marquis-Marriott Grand 10 (Lobby Level) .
	M23-407 Durham University, UK Theme: Durham University Reception Saturday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Offsite-Offsite Durham University Reception Horton Grand Hotel, San Diego Gaslamp District, 311 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101, room Regal A&B The event: Drinks reception and hors d’oeuvres Invitees: All alumni and friends of Durham University, UK No need for RSVPs. Contact person is Professor Simon Oliver, simon.oliver@durham.ac.uk
	M23-504 Indiana University Theme: Religious Studies Alumni and Friends Reception Saturday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Grand Hyatt-Hillcrest AB (Third Level - Seaport Tower) .

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