Latest News

Read our latest announcements and news
October 1, 2025
James Abbington, the first Bethea Professor of the Practice of Sacred Music and Black Church Studies, was a world-renowned musician and scholar of the traditions and contributions from music in the Black Church.
May 12, 2025
The hiring of Abbington as the inaugural endowed chair was made possible by a $5 million award from The Duke Endowment to boost Black Church studies at the school.
October 3, 2024
Duke Giving
The grant will be used to recruit and support a senior faculty member specializing in Black church studies to foster research and field-defining work in an academic, theological context.

Features

In-depth stories and feature articles.
August 12, 2024
For many students, like Samira Foster, M.Div. '27, field education is their first opportunity to work in a ministry setting and is an invaluable component of their theological education. These placements involve serving in contextual learning opportunities in churches, nonprofits, and other settings under the guidance of a trained supervisor.
September 20, 2023
The Very Rev. Timothy Kimbrough, Jack and Barbara Bovender Professor of the Practice of Anglican Studies will direct the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies; and the Rev. Dr. Eric Lewis Williams, assistant professor of theology and Black Church studies will direct the Office of Black Church Studies.
May 16, 2023
The celebration events on April 17–18, 2024 featured gospel singer Yolanda Adams, a documentary film, and the MLK lectures and services.

Opinions

Viewpoints from faculty, staff, and alumni.
October 11, 2023
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale argues that the church must develop a social justice ministry to be faithful to the call of Jesus.
April 21, 2020
Professor Valerie Cooper on how the black community in the United States has grown expert at enduring the unendurable.