Since its founding in 1971, the Pacific Northwest Region of the American Academy of Religion has flourished as a community rooted in genuine goodwill, professional trust, and mutual respect. One of our most cherished qualities is a welcoming and inclusive spirit that values the diversity of religious convictions and academic perspectives among our members.

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While many of our members reside in the Pacific Northwest, we are proud to welcome participants from across North America and beyond. Our region encompasses the dynamic and diverse landscapes of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Western Montana, Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon, providing a rich context for exploring the intersections of religion, culture, and society.

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As a branch of the American Academy of Religion—the world’s largest academic society dedicated to the study of religion—we support scholarship across a wide range of disciplines.

 

Our current program units include:

• Arts and Religion

• Asian and Comparative Studies

• Hebrew Bible

• Mormon Studies

• New Testament and the World of Early Christianity

• Religion and Society

• Religion and the Social Sciences

• Theology and Philosophy of Religion

• Women and Religion

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Each program unit is guided by a scholar from our region, selected by the Board of Directors to serve renewable three-year terms. These leaders ensure our work remains academically rigorous while reflecting the unique character and concerns of the Pacific Northwest.

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Our region’s commitment to inclusivity, academic excellence, and the cultivation of meaningful dialogue continues to make it a vibrant and valued part of the AAR community.