Generally speaking, I can sum up the "state of Association" as good. While your Board of Directors finds it possible to meet only twice yearly -- once just prior to the annual meeting and again the following March, individual committees and members have been far from idle. I would like to commend especially Treasurer Charles Thorne (who will be retiring at this meeting) and Secretary Dean Hoge, who have gone beyond the call of duty. I should like also to praise Editors Knudten and McCloskey and staff, not only for the continuing excellence of Review contents, but also for the definite improvement in publication process. The past year of the RRA has been good for strengthening and solidifying (perhaps not notable for innovating).

More specifically: 

1. The Association is sound fiscally. The Treasurer's Report shows that our assets continue to increase (tripled since 1969). The number of members, however, has remained stationary at around 300 (see p. 6, Treasurer's Report).
   
   
2. We have successfully completed certain structural changes via amendment of the by-laws, which can now be implemented. Although the Nominating committee wasn't able to implement it this year, we expect to have dual slatings for most offices next year. President, Secretary, and Finance Chairperson will run in odd years; and Vice-President and Development and Nominating Chairpersons in even years. Editor and Treasurer will be appointed by the Board. (As a result of a last minute decision by the slated Treasurer-nominee not to run -- under the old elective system, this office has been filled by Board appointment of Ed Rauff of the Lutheran Council in the U.S.A. We are happy for his willingness.)
   
   
3. Publication of the Review is our single most important enterprise. Its annual volume of pages has been increased to almost 300 (up one third). Publication schedule has been regularized; structural responsibilities of staff have been clarified. the just approved by-law amendments make publication policy a clear responsibility of your entire Board, with the Vice-President as liaison person to the Editor. The Editor is now clearly responsible for an in charge of his entire staff for the first time. We thank the "Mueller Committee" for their work in this restructure.

   Since Editor Knudten's term expires a year from now, some have suggested appointment of a search committee which might not only recruit and evaluate candidates but also review and make recommendations for policy relating to content and direction of the Review.

   Furthermore, some have suggested the Association assist in the sponsorship and launching of a new newsletter-type periodical which might disseminate behavioral research and theory on religion to a popular audience, including the growing "D. Min." constituency (a religious-type Psychology Today?)

4. Expansion of inter-associational relationships is a concern to many. for some years now we have been meeting jointly with the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, and cooperation in this has been better than ever this year, for which we can thank Loyde Hartley and Dean Hoge -- at least among others. Are there ways in which we can further this cooperation other than by joint annual meetings? In publication, in expansion of regional meetings, etc.?
5. Under miscellaneous items, we are happy at the continued denominational support for the H. Paul Douglass lectureship. We thank the United church of Canada and David Stone for making this year's lecture by noted church historian martin Marty possible. We expect to continue this effort as long as we can receive support.

   Connie Jacquet, Everett Perry, Dean Hoge, and Ed Rauff pressed for a question on religion for us at the Census Bureau haring, held at Suitland, Maryland in April. While their effort may not have paid off in the decennial census, it may pay off in one of the less inclusive population surveys by the Bureau in the next couple of years.

 It has been a good year. I look forward to an even better year to come and to meeting you all again in Chicago in October, 1977. Thanks for your help.

 Faithfully yours,

 Ross P. Scherer, President
Department of Sociology
Loyola University
820 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611