The Annual Review of Women in World Religions is polymethodic, interdisciplinary, and multitraditional in its approach to the study of women and religion. It not only allows the comparative dimension to appear in bolder relief, but also helps establish a dialogue between the two solitudes of humanistic and social scientific studies in the field.

This annual encourages the exploration of horizons and perspectives in women's studies not possible otherwise. It is not confined in scope to the traditional religions-it also includes new religious movements within its scope, while at the same time providing an outlet for specialized studies on women in traditional religions to reach a wider audience. It thus incorporates both the traditional and contemporary dimension.

This work grew out of the publication of a book released in 1987 by SUNY Press entitled Women in World Religions, edited by Arvind Sharma. The reception indicated that it met a felt need. It also vindicated the historical and phenomenological approach to the study of women in world religions. The relevance of both subject and method called for an ongoing forum to continue discussing themes covered in the book. this journal provides such a forum.

The first volume contains essays by Mary Gerhart (Another Troy for Her to Burn: The True Story of Euripides's Helen), Denyse Rockey (Three Faces of the Great Goddess: Shulamite, Cinderella, Black Virgin), Winnie Tomm (Goddess Consciousness and Social Realities: The 'Permeable Self'), and Katherine K. Young (Goddesses, Feminists, and Scholars).