From the Editor, Nancy Nason-Clark

Sociology of Religion, Spring, 2001

The winds of change blow in...

As the new editor of Sociology of Religion, may I express warmly and sincerely how delighted I am to have been asked to serve the profession and our readers in the days ahead. Like any man or woman about to assume new career responsibilities, there are both moments of fear and moments of joy. When I wander down the hallway to our departmental office, I often wonder whether there will be one or more manuscripts tucked in my mail box waiting to be opened and read. When I check my email, I often hope that there will be a review from one of our associate editors or referees. Central, then, to the task of editor is the responsibility of looking for great manuscripts in your mailbox and helpful, careful reviews in your cyberspace in-tray. An editor learns quickly that they are deeply dependent on an ample supply of manuscripts and the labour of love of a great cadre of reviewers and associate editors.

An invitation to send us your manuscript...

My vision for our journal is one that continues the 50 year tradition of combining quality and breadth in the sociological study of religion. We invite theoretical articles, and manuscripts based on either qualitative or quantitative research. Senior scholars and junior scholars alike publish in Sociology of Religion, and we especially encourage submissions that would enable our journal to reflect diversity across gender, ethnic, cultural, religious and career lines. In issues yet to come, there will be reflective essays and shorter research notes. At times we may expand the menu, but the quality of the cuisine -- we trust -- will remain pleasing to the palate.

A word of thanks...

On paper, this is my first issue. But in reality, out-going editor Joseph Tamney selected the articles, corresponded with authors and simply forwarded the final product to me. With the help of Barbara Fisher Townsend, the issue left our offices located in eastern Canada and travelled south to the publishers, not unlike the path of many Canadian geese this time of year.

On behalf of our authors, reviewers and readers, may I express to Joe Tamney how much we have appreciated his dedication to the job of editor and thank him for putting in print many, many fine articles, some of which have been award-winning. He was assisted along the way by editorial assistant, Peggy Shaffer, and book review editor Fred Kniss, and we acknowledge their important contributions as well. Thanks too go to our executive officer, William Swatos, for his many years of dedicated services to the Association for the Sociology of Religion.

Introducing the new workforce...

In producing each issue, I will be joined by Lori Beaman as book review editor, Barbara Fisher Townsend as editorial assistant and an impressive line-up of associate editors: John Bartkowski, Jose Casanova, Patricia Chang, Grace Davie, Lorne Dawson, Harriet Hartman, Lutz Kaelber, Dan Olson, and Milagros Pena. I am grateful beyond words for the willingness and diligence of each one.