Mapping the Field of Religious Literacy: A Work-in-Progress Roundtable

Religious literacy education is a broad field drawing on the work of many stakeholders, including K12 educators, religious studies scholars, education researchers, content providers, and more. However, this interdisciplinary nature can be both a strength and a weakness, often limiting collaboration and tending towards fragmentation. This roundtable discussion will report on the ongoing work of a group of scholars and practitioners attempting to take stock of the state of the field of religious literacy education in the post-pandemic era and move toward developing greater cohesion and collaboration in the field. This work began with an in-person retreat in March 2024 and has continued since then through ongoing conversations and working groups. The roundtable discussion will feature multiple perspectives in the field of religious literacy education. Particular attention will be given to the diverse definitions of religious literacy, an emerging map of stakeholder groups, and the ongoing evolution of this field.