Highlights of the mission and work of OBCS to nurture effective leaders, to build scholarly and spiritual community, and to extend resources from the Black Church context in 2025–26.

William Clair Turner Jr., James T. and Alice Mead Cleland Professor Emeritus of the Practice of Preaching at Duke Divinity School, died on July 26 at the age of 78.

At Duke Divinity School’s annual Jill Raitt Worship and Lecture, the community gathered to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Jill Raitt, who was a pioneering scholar and advocate for women in theological education.

Every Tuesday in February, the Divinity School celebrated the distinct contributions of the school’s alumni of African descent in the Sankofa Alumni Preaching Series.

Duke Divinity School welcomed Hawkins, director of the Office of Public Witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA), for “The Role of Faith in Public Life,” where he challenged attendees to consider how the church embodies its calling.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The grant from the Office of the Provost will support Dr. Wilson's project, which addresses the Black maternal health crisis in North Carolina by engaging bioethics, healthcare, and Black churches. Read more from the Duke Office of Interdisciplinary Studies.

The Sankofa Alumni Preaching Series, established in 2014 during Black History Month, is hosted by the Office of Black Church Studies to celebrate the distinct contributions of the school’s alumni of African descent.

Duke alumnus and noted activist will support classes and research on environmental justice and racial equity.

The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale argues that the church must develop a social justice ministry to be faithful to the call of Jesus.

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.

The program welcomes students from historically Black colleges and universities for a day of discernment about pursuing theological education.

The celebration events on April 17–18, 2024 featured gospel singer Yolanda Adams, a documentary film, and the MLK lectures and services.

Williams, who currently serves as curator of religion for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, will assume the role on July 1.

April 17–18 events feature gospel singer Yolanda Adams, a documentary film, and MLK Lecture and service.

The fund honors and supports the work of the Office of Black Church Studies, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The Office of Black Church Studies held the Justice Ministry Reimagined event in Penn Pavilion on the Duke University campus including a reentry simulation and panel discussion.