In a world where religion plays so central a role in social, political, and economic events, as well as in the lives of communities and individuals, there is a critical need for ongoing reflection upon and understanding of religious traditions, issues, questions, and values. The American Academy of Religion's mission is to promote such reflection through excellence in scholarship and teaching in the field of religion and the enhancement of the public understanding of religion. As a learned society and professional association of teachers and research scholars, the American Academy of Religion has more than 8,000 members who teach in some 1,000 colleges, universities, seminaries, and schools in North America and abroad. The AAR is dedicated to furthering knowledge of religion and religious institutions in all their forms and manifestations. This is accomplished through AAR-wide and regional conferences and meetings, publications, programs, and membership services. Within a context of free inquiry and critical examination, the AAR welcomes all disciplined reflection on religion — both from within and outside of communities of belief and practice — and seeks to enhance its broad public understanding. The American Academy of Religion is not a faith-based organization. The expertise of its membership spans virtually all religions, and the AAR neither endorses nor condemns any religious belief or practice. An affiliate of Emory University, the AAR is registered as a 501(c)(3) organization with executive offices located in the Luce Center on Emory's campus in Atlanta, Georgia.