Membership and Information
The members of the Conference on Christianity and Literature believe that distinct benefits may be derived for Christian teachers of literature and the institutions they serve by a closer affiliation and believe that CCL is an excellent way to provide that bond. The stated purposes of CCL are to promote high standards of Christian scholarship, sponsor a publication that serves as a forum for scholarly discourse, support Christian approaches to college teaching, and foster Christian fellowship. Membership in CCL is open to all who are interested in its purposes and programs. Membership includes a subscription to the quarterly journal, Christianity and Literature, and information about conferences and other functions sponsored by CCL's seven regional organizations.
Membership/subscription rates for individuals are $25/year, $45/two years. Students and retired faculty members may join for the special rate of $20/year, $35/two years. Canadian and other foreign subscriptions are an additional $10 per year or $18 for two years. (All rates are in U.S. currency).
You may begin or renew memberships online through PayPal by following this link to our online payment page. You may also pay by mail. To do that, download the subscription form and follow mailing and payment information on the form.
Travel Grants
CCL is offering travel grants for scholars and writers who are members of CCL and who show a need need to travel in support of their research and writing. Proposals will be evaluated with the mission of CCL in mind, and maximum grants will be $2,000 for expenses directly relating to travel. The Paul and June Schlueter Travel Grant will be for graduate students, untenured faculty members, and independent scholars and writers. Others may apply for the Clyde S. Kilby Memorial Travel Grant, the Charles A. Huttar Travel Grant, or the Roy Battenhouse Travel Grant. For details, see the Scholar Travel Grant page or the Graduate Student Grant page .
The CCL elects a president, vice president, secretary, and a treasurer, who serve as the executive committee, along with nine directors. Seven of those directors are elected as representatives by members of their respective CCL regional organizations, and two are at-large directors elected by all CCL members. Executive committee members serve two-year terms; directors are elected for three-year terms. John Cox of Hope College is the current CCL president. Harold K. Bush, of Saint Louis University, has been elected as incoming president; his term will begin January 1, 2010.
CCL Regional Organizations
Seven geographical organizations exist in CCL. Each organization elects a director to serve on the CCL board and may sponsor regional conferences and other functions. CCL members may participate in conferences or other functions from all regions.
CCL History
The CCL had its beginnings in 1950 when when Elva McAllaster at Seattle Pacific College mailed colleagues “A Newsletter for Christian Teachers of College English.” Today, the organization sponsors a quarterly journal with refereed articles and literary reviews, annual regional conferences, and writing contests and awards. More details.
Strengthening the Foundation
The Conference on Christianity and Literature is a thriving organization with a clear sense of mission and a committed and active membership that does a lot with a little. In order to strengthen CCL's foundation for the foreseeable future, the board is seeking to establish a substantial endowment for the first time in the organization's history. The fund drive to set up the endowment is called "Strengthening CCL's Foundation." The purpose of the endowment is to strengthen CCL financially by providing annual interest income beyond membership dues. More details.
Questions to Tammy Ditmore (tammy.ditmore@pepperdine.edu)