Society for the Scientific Study of Religion

Business Meeting Minutes

1979

October 27, 1979      

The meeting was called to order by President William V. D'Antonio at 11:10 A.M.

  1. Minutes: It was moved and seconded that the minutes of the 1978 annual meeting be approved as published in the March 1979 issue of the Journal. Passed.

  2. Obituaries: The deaths of Talcott Parsons, Allan Eister, Louis Schneider were noted, and Joseph Fichter led the assembly in a period of silence and memorial.

  3. Retiring Council: D'Antonio made recognition of retiring Council members: Paul Pruyser, Council; Jeff Hadden, Book Review Editor; Dean Knudsen, Secretary; Russell Dynes, Treasurer; Dean Hoge and Bryan Wilson, Council; Bernard Spilka, Vice President.

  4. New Council: D'Antonio reported the election results and welcomed the newly elected Council members: President, Benton Johnson; Vice President, Sister Marie Augusta Neal; Secretary, N. Ross Crumrine; Treasurer, Ruth Wallace; Council, Earl Brewer and Meredith McGuire.

  5. Executive Secretary Report: The Executive Secretary Report was given by W. Clark Roof.

    Attendance in San Antonio is 252 registered participants, somewhat below 1978. Appreciation was expressed to Ted Mills for handling local arrangements and to Newton Maloney as program chairman. Roof reported that SSSR membership is stable, the Journal and Monograph series are in good hands, a newsletter has been established, and the finances are sound, with a small surplus. Next year SSSR meets in Cincinnati at the Netherland Hilton again with RRA and APHRE. John Seidler is program chairman and has chosen as theme: "Religion and Human Rights". He concluded with an optimistic view about the future as we enter the fourth decade of SSSR and the new decade of the 1980s.

  6. Treasurer's Report: Ruth Wallace reported for Russell Dynes. SSSR again this year enjoyed a balanced budget. The financial condition of the society is good. Membership dues will be increased for the first time in 10 years to ensure continued stability.

  7. Publications:

    Editor of JSSR: Phil Hammond expects to continue to publish 8 or 9 articles per issue during the year. There is approximately a 25% acceptance rate.

    Book Review Editor: Jeff Hadden expressed thanks to reviewers and Don Capps reported that he will seek shorter reviews in order to include more books.

    Monographs: Bill Newman reported that a second monograph is out, and he is seeking new manuscripts.

  8. 1980 Program: John Seidler noted the theme: "Religion and Human Rights," with the intent of a broad, worldwide focus on the issue.

  9. Nominations for 1980: D'Antonio will serve as chair of the committee for 1980-81 nominees.

  10. Budget: For 1979-80, a budget of $68,715 was approved by Council. Expected income totals $70,100.00

  11. Other Business: The foreign members who were present were recognized. SSSR membership is composed of - sociologists, psychologists, and persons in religious studies in that order. Concern was expressed regarding costs of membership in competing organizations: SSSR, ASR, RRR. Informal conversations have been held, but no official action has been taken regarding this problem.

  12. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon.