Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine (aka “Jay Augustine”) is a missional strategist with the Duke Center for Reconciliation. A well-recognized leader in the Durham Community, he also serves as senior pastor of the historic St. Joseph AME Church.
In addition to pastoral service, Dr. Augustine's background is as a civil rights litigator and law professor. His academic articles on issues like immigration reform, social activism, and voting rights, appear in scholarly publications including the Howard Law Journal, Connecticut Public Interest Law Journal, Hastings Race and Poverty Law Journal, Southern California Interdisciplinary Law Journal, and the Louisiana Law Review. His most recent article is forthcoming in the University of Richmond Law Review. Jay’s recent books include When Prophets Preach: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit (Fortress Press, 2023) and Called to Reconciliation: How the Church Can Model Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion (Baker Academic, 2022).
Dr. Augustine earned a B.A., in economics, from Howard University, along with an active-duty commission as an infantry officer in the United States Army. After four years of decorated military service, he earned his J.D. at Tulane University, before serving in both elected and appointed offices in Louisiana. After earning his M.Div. at United Theological Seminary and completing a fellowship at Princeton Theological Seminary, Jay earned his D.Min. at Duke University.