The Women’s Center at Duke Divinity School held the annual Jill Raitt Worship and Lecture on March 26, 2026, with guest preacher and lecturer the Rev. Joanne Browne Jennings. The Raitt Lecture began in 2009 to honor the life and work of Dr. Jill Raitt, a pioneering scholar and advocate for women in theological education. 

Dr. Jill Raitt (1931–2025) joined Duke Divinity School’s faculty in 1973 and quickly became recognized as a trailblazer. In addition to earning tenure in 1977—the first woman to do so at Duke Divinity—she demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting women in theological education, even giving up her own office in 1974 to help establish the Women’s Center.

“Dr. Jill Raitt’s life was a testament to courage, intellect, and quiet, transformative generosity. She not only broke barriers in theology—she held the doors open for others to follow,” said Katherine Smith, associate dean for strategic initiatives at Duke Divinity School.

“The annual lecture in her name at Duke Divinity School is more than a remembrance; it is a living continuation of her work, calling each new generation to think boldly, to lead faithfully, and to widen the circle she so faithfully began.”

The Jill Raitt Lecture continues to honor that legacy by inviting women leaders whose work reflects the same spirit of innovation, scholarship, and service. 

The Rev. Joanne Browne Jennings, director of Black Church Studies at Yale Divinity School, delivered the sermon “When Women Come Together” during the morning worship service in Goodson Chapel.

Jennings reflected on the biblical story of Mary and Elizabeth and invited listeners to consider how community, especially women coming together, shapes calling—particularly in moments of uncertainty. 

“Mary’s is not the kind of blessing that we commonly think of as a blessing. This is not a blessing that offers an easy life with risk-free benefits. No. This blessing placed her at the center of a scandal,” Jennings said. 

She described the connection between Mary and Elizabeth as a model of the power of shared experience, encouragement, and purpose. 

“When women come together, something magical happens. It’s an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. When women come together, they connect on a deeper level, both spiritually and cellular,” Jennings said. “Souls nodding in agreement: ‘I see you.’” 

Her sermon underscored the importance of relationships in nurturing vocation and recognizing the potential of others, echoing themes that resonate deeply with Raitt’s own powerful legacy.

“It seems that the essence of God’s blessings are not about our comfort. They are to lead us into purpose that far exceeds our capacity to imagine.”

Jennings also delivered the afternoon lecture, “The Sacred Work of Sisterhood: Creating Strategic Networks,” expanding on her work in pastoral care, counseling, and Black church studies. Her career—spanning social work, church ministry and theological education — reflects the kind of interdisciplinary leadership the Raitt Lecture seeks to highlight.

Through the powerful presence of preacher-scholars like the Rev. Joanne Browne Jennings on campus, the annual Jill Raitt Lecture continues Raitt’s lifelong commitment to expanding who is seen, heard, and supported within theological education. In remembering Raitt, Duke Divinity School hopes to honor a life that transformed an institution and ensure that her legacy continues to inspire those who follow.