2026 Annual Meeting: In Conjunction with the American Academy of Religion, [CITY, STATE] | November 2026
The Society typically meets concurrently with the American Academy of Religion, in the same city as the AAR. The round of meetings begins with a Board meeting, followed by two sessions with papers and discussion and a general business meeting at which Board recommendations are voted on. Please see below for a photo from the 2022 Annual Meeting, and continue reading for 2026 details.
The Annual Meeting of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies
In Conjunction with the American
Academy of Religion
[CITY, STATE]: November 2026
Honoring Judith Simmer-Brown: Scholarship, Contemplation, and Interreligious Friendship
Saturday, November 21 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Sheraton, Director’s Row E | Session ID: P21-111
General Description:
This panel honors the life, work, and enduring legacy of Judith Simmer-Brown, whose scholarship, teaching, and leadership have profoundly shaped the fields of Buddhist studies, contemplative education, and Buddhist-Christian dialogue. Convened to celebrate her many contributions to the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies and the wider academic and contemplative communities, the panel will bring together colleagues, students, and friends to reflect on the impact of her work.
Panelists and Topics
· Moderator: Grace Song
· Gregory Perron: “A Buddhist-Benedictine Friendship” Revisited: In Honor of Judith Simmer-Brown
· Mark Unno: Judith Simmer-Brown in Buddhist-Christian Dialogue and Beyond
· Holly Gayley: The Ḍākinī’s Breath—As Warm as Ever
· Netanel Miles-Yépez: Contemplative Education and Interreligious Dialogue: Judith Simmer-Brown’s Legacy at Naropa University
· Respondent: Judith Simmer-Brown
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Life-Changing Encounters: What Buddhist-Christian Dialogue Does to Who We Are
Saturday, November 21 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Sheraton, Director’s Row E | Session ID: P21-200
General Description:
This session explores a question at the heart of interfaith encounter: how does sustained, meaningful dialogue with another tradition shape who we are? What happens to our own religious identity and lived practice when we engage deeply with another faith—especially when that engagement does not involve conversion?
Presenters and Topics:
· Moderator: Alaina Keller
· Julius-Kei Kato: Hybridity, Multiple Identities, and Buddhist-Christian Double Belonging
· Sarita Tamayo-Moraga: Sustaining the Possibility of Life-Transforming Encounters: How Institutional Support of Buddhist and Christian Contemplative Practices Transforms Lives
· Anh Q. Tran: From Vietnam to America: The Formation of an Interreligious Identity
· S. Mark Heim: Myself Another Country: Life As God’s Empty Creature
· Respondent: Leo Lefebure