By School of Religion - January 21, 2026

BOSTON, MA—Faculty from the School of Religion assumed prominent leadership roles at this year's national meetings of religion scholars, held in Boston this November.
Marina Garner was elected president of the Society of Adventist Philosophers, while Zane Yi was elected president of the Adventist Society for Religious Studies. These societies meet annually alongside the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, bringing together thousands of scholars from around the world.
"As a member of both societies, I'm thrilled about working with this next generation of leaders and proud to serve with such esteemed colleagues," said Zack Plantak, the long-serving secretary and treasurer of ASRS.
Several School of Religion faculty also presented research at the meetings. Jeffrey Gang delivered a plenary address for the Adventist Society for Religious Studies on "Only the Suffering God Can Help," exploring the relevance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's thought for addressing trauma. Garner presented "The Emotion of Envy and the Problem of Social Authority" for the Society of Adventist Philosophers, while Yi presented "Prejudiced against Prejudice?" for the same society. On Sabbath, Randy Roberts presented sermon for worship titled “God, What Have We Done to You.”
For Miguel Mendez, assistant professor, the conference marked his first attendance at these annual gatherings. "Sometimes it seems fewer and fewer people are interested in religion," he said. "Seeing all the people in the hallways and book hall made me feel less alone."