On Dec. 10, Duke Divinity School held a community worship service of “Litany, Lament and Liberation” focusing on the recent tragedies in Ferguson, Mo., New York City, and others across the nation.

Eboni Marshall Turman, assistant research professor of black church studies and director of the Office of Black Church Studies at the school, presided, and Dean Richard Hays made brief remarks. Fatimah Salleh, M.Div. '16, preached at the service, which also included a recitation of the names of black people who were killed by police violence. A video of the service is available below.

After the service, the Divinity School hosted a panel discussion, "I Can't Breathe: Theological Responses to Anti-black Violence in 21st Century America," by Divinity School faculty members with responses from the community. Panelists were: Willie Jennings, associate professor of theology and black church studies; Valerie Cooper, associate professor of black church studies; J. Kameron Carter, associate professor of systematic theology and black church studies; and Marshall Turman. Mary Fulkerson, professor of theology, was unable to attend and sent remarks.