Although the behavioral study of religion now extends far beyond the narrow study of religious organizations, RRA was established, in part, to focus on denominational research. While denominational researchers often collect data to answer practical questions, many academic researchers are unaware that these same data sources could address a broad range of more general theoretical questions. Moreover, academically based scholars sometimes have access to research results that would be of great interest to denominational researchers. 

As always, we encourage papers on any topic related to the behavioral study of religion, but this year we especially invite papers and sessions that (1) describe denominationally collected data and their availability to other researchers, (2) make use of such data to answer either applied and/or more theoretical questions, or (3) present results that would be of special interest to denominational researchers and religious leaders. We hope sessions this year can build bridges between the rich sources of data that exist and the applied and theoretical questions waiting to be answered.

1. Examples of possible papers and sessions on denominational data sources

Denominational web pages as a source of data 
Survey data collected by denominations 
Congregational yearbook data collected by denominations
Pitfalls and solutions in working with denominational data
Availability of denominationally collected data

2. Examples of topics that might use denominational data

Factors involved in congregational growth/decline 
Congregational and contextual factors affecting member giving and attendance rates
The parish ministry as a profession
Relationship between clergy’s mental health and religious doubt
Effect on congregations of receiving government funding (“Faith Based Initiatives”) 
Generational differences in religious giving and attendance
Relationship among generations in immigrant congregations 

3. Examples of topics of special interest to denominational researchers and leaders

Congregational web pages: purposes, use and effectiveness
Religion social capital and health 
Relationship between government funding of welfare and charitable giving 
Generational differences in charitable giving 
The future of denominations 
Taxation, consumer society and religious giving

Send proposals to:

Keith M. Wulff  
Research Services, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
email: kwulff@ctr.pcusa.org
100 Witherspoon St     
Fax: 502 569 8736
Louisville, KY 40202

Include email address on all proposals
Deadlines:
Session proposals (title and description): January 15, 2005
Paper proposals (title and abstract of 150 words or less): March 15, 2005
Completed papers due to discussant (if session has discussant): September 30, 2005