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We teach, research, publish, and create experiences to nurture effective leaders for the church, the academy, and the world. We seek to enrich the work and witness of Duke Divinity School—with both theological and spiritual resources from Black Church contexts.
Latest News
Read the latest news and announcements from the Office of Black Church Studies.
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.
Our Programs
The Certificate in Black Church Studies aims to help strengthen the body of Christ through critical reflection, dialogue, and practice for those who are interested in the intersection of race, faith, and Christian witness, particularly in the tradition of Black churches.
The Black Church Studies Fellowship program is designed for students pursuing the Certificate in Black Church Studies while enrolled in the residential Master of Divinity degree program. The program includes full-tuition scholarship and signature programming.
Learn about classes in Black Church studies that are intensely interdisciplinary, ecumenical, and intellectually inclusive.