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.

Upcoming Events

Join us for lecture series, worship events, conferences, and more.
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Sat, Jul 19 - Sat, Jul 26, 2025 | Duke University Divinity School

2025 Black Religious Autobiography Seminar

Join the Office of Black Church Studies for a week-long seminar exploring the autobiographical writings of Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Howard Thurman, Ida B. Wells, and other Black autobiographers and memoirists who used their life stories as weapons in the quest for freedom and humanization.

Latest News

Read the latest news and announcements from the Office of Black Church Studies.
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Duke Divinity Hires James Abbington as First Joseph B. Bethea Professor
May 12, 2025
Duke Divinity Hires James Abbington as First Joseph B. Bethea Professor
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.
$5 Million Award From The Duke Endowment to Boost Black Church Studies
October 3, 2024
$5 Million Award From The Duke Endowment to Boost Black Church Studies
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.
Field Education Highlight: Samira Foster
August 12, 2024
Field Education Highlight: Samira Foster
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.

Our Programs

Certificate in Black Church Studies
Certificate in Black Church Studies
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. 
Black Church Studies Fellowship
Black Church Studies Fellowship
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.
Course Offerings
Course Offerings
Learn about classes in Black Church studies that are intensely interdisciplinary, ecumenical, and intellectually inclusive.

“Studying at Duke Divinity has helped me to foster a particular fortitude, as my convictions, formed out of the Black church tradition, are brought into the discussion of the broader theological conversation.”

Orlander Thomas, M.Div. ’20