International Association for the History of Religions, 08/00

International Association for the History of Religions
XVIII Quinquennial Congress: Durban, 5-11 August 2000

First Announcement
2 February 1998

The International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) is an International body of national societies for the study of religion. It is a member of the Conseil international de la philosophie et des sciences humaines (CIPSH) under UNESCO. It brings together more than a thousand scholars from around the world once every five years for a Congress to discuss, debate and exchange views on the academic study of the religions of the world. The Executive Committee of the IAHR met in July 1997 in Turku, Finland and unanimously decided to hold its XVIII congress in the year 2000 in Durban, South Africa. The Department of Science of Religion at the University of Durban-Westville in cooperation with some key members of the Association for the Study of Religion in Southern Africa and the African Association for the Study of Religion has been requested to host the event.

This upcoming Congress in August 2000 is significant for a number of symbolic reasons. First, it will be the first IAHR congress ever held on the African Continent. For more than hundred and fifty years academic scholars around the world have been keenly studying the religions of Africa. But this is the first time they will assemble in Africa to take stock of where they came from and where they will be heading. Second, the IAHR Congress in the year 2000 will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the IAHR in Amsterdam. Third, it will also mark the 100th anniversary of scientific congresses in the History of Religions discipline.

Several questions arise as the year 2000 draws near. First, it would be appropriate to take stock and reflect on where we as an international body of scholars engaged in a common scientific approach are coming from. What are the important themes, the important empirical areas, and the important approaches that have carried us to this point in time? What struggles have we engaged in to the betterment of our science? Where have we gone wrong, and where have we gone right? How has the history of religions contributed to education and cultural development in general? Second, it would also be appropriate to discuss the future trends. What topics and approaches are important for us to pursue? What challenges do we have to face in the global context? Is the history of and its cognate disciplines capable of dealing with these challenges, and is the IAHR doing religions what it can in these respects? Are we truly engaged in a common endeavour?

The congress could provide a stimulating bouquet of sections, symposia, panels, and meetings commonly engaged in these questions. From taking stock of the history of each empirical area, with special emphasis on the study of religion and the religious situation in South Africa, to reflecting on the general history of the study of religion and the applicability of its many disciplines, the participants will also be able to address visions of the future in relation to methods, theories, and the history of religions. The congress should address these important issues not only to satisfy our own curiosity but also to inspire the new generations of scholars, the young men and women who are looking up to us as they surge ahead.

Theme of the Congress:

The History of Religions at a Turning Point: Origins and Visions

Venue of the Congress:

To provide the best conference atmosphere and value for your money we have contracted the International Convention Centre located in the centre the city of Durban which has the latest high-tech facilities to run a congress of this size on international standards. The International Convention Centre is located in Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal in general and Durban in particular reflect the diversity of religions and cultures.Durban is not only one of the best tourist destinations but also one of the best conference venues.

Congress Dates

5 - 11 August 2000

Registration Costs

Registration includes congress fee, proceedings, opening and closing ceremonies and access to the exhibitions and cultural events.

Accompanying persons may attend the opening ceremony, poster sessions and social functions. However, should they wish to participate in the congress they need to pay the registration fee indicated below. They also need to pay for the closing banquet should they wish to attend.

Early registration (Before 31 December 1999)
200 US$

Standard Registration (From 1 January to 10 August 2000) 250 US$

Access to Congress on a Daily basis
50 US$

Accompanying Person
100 US$

For more details and the registration form please see the website at :

http://www.udw.ac.za/iahr

Pratap

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