To the Readers of Material Religion,
Readers will notice a small but profound change on the preliminary pages of this issue of Material Religion: S. Brent Plate is no longer listed as an editor or managing editor of the journal. As of January 1, 2022, Brent has stepped down after nearly twenty years of service.
Brent Plate’s editorial work established the identity of Material Religion as much as any theme, method, or set of questions. Brent’s collegial spirit, trailblazing scholarship, and editorial vision have made this journal—and this field of study—what it is today.
Under Brent’s leadership, Material Religion grew from the pet project of a small cohort of scholars into one of the world’s leading journals in the field of religious studies. As we continue to expand the journal’s reach internationally, the editors and I will rely on the network of colleagues and goodwill Brent has cultivated around the globe.
The editors wish to express our sincere thanks to Brent for his years of service. As managing editor, I want to thank him personally for mentoring me as I stepped into the role he held since this journal’s inception. Brent—thank you! We wish you the very best in your future endeavors!
Best,
Andrew T. Coates, Managing Editor
Sarah Dees, Editor
Alyssa Maldonado-Estrada, Editor
Katja Rakow, Editor