Black Church Studies
Black church studies at Duke leads the Duke Divinity School community in racial reconciliation by helping all students reflect deeply on racial identity and its powerful legacies, the continuing challenges for Christians of color, and the concerns of the global black church.
The Office of Black Church Studies assists the theological formation of seminarians by supporting the work of the faculty, especially those teaching and administering courses in black church studies; counseling black seminarians and prospective students; providing educational opportunities through events, lectures, and domestic and international field education. It also helps students of color gain the greatest value from their theological formation, while supporting all students in deepening communion across racial and cultural boundaries.
Noteworthy
Audio of J. Cameron Carter Webcast Available
Professor Carter speaks about the connection between the identity of Jesus and the concept of race on “Office Hours.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Features Bishop Hoyt
The Office of Black Church Studies will host Senior Bishop Thomas Hoyt, Jr. March 27-28, 2012.
Dr. Abraham Smith to speak on King James Bible
Dr. Abraham Smith, professor of the New Testament at Perkins School of Theology, will present a lecture Feb. 14 on "The King James Bible and the Figuring of African American Bodies."
Dr. Judy Fentriss-Williams Brown Bag Feb. 29
Dr. Fentriss-Williams's interests include a literary approach to scripture that celebrates multiple voices and inter-textuality.
Professor/Jazz Saxophonist Featured Speaker
On Tues. Jan. 31 Melvin L. Butler, jazz musician and professor of music, will give lectures exploring issues of music and faith in black gospel performance and jazz improvisation.
Audio from Bishop Ntambo Visit Now Online
Bishop Ntambo from the Republic of Congo spoke about his experiences planting 157 churches.
School Hosts Rev. Otis Moss III
The Office of Black Church Studies will host Moss, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Ill. Nov. 28-29.
We Remember Ed Adams
The Office of Black Church Studies honors the life of an extraordinary husband, father, minister, student, mentor, and friend.
Video of 2011 Gardner Taylor Lecture Series Now Available
Vanderbilt Professor Dale P. Andrews gave the lecture and sermons this year.
Blog Posts
- A Kingdom of Justice
Pauli Murray had an amazing vision of God’s Kingdom — a Kingdom of Justice is breaking in the world. - On the Passing and Presence of Saints: Life Near Death
Last spring, I received a call from my father who lives some distance from me. He told me that my Aunt Martha had died. - What Does November 2, 2010 Mean?
What does the election on November 2, 2010 mean for those of us who believe in a civil rights progressive agenda?
- A Letter to My Son
This is a letter to my son that I am not sure he will understand now, but one that I hope he will look back upon to give clarity to some moments of confusion and exclusion. - “God in America” and Black Christianity
Last week, PBS’s Frontline/American Experience aired a most interesting three-part series entitled “God in America.” - The Last Words of Jesus: A Joint Reflection
In Christ’s last words I am reminded of the observation of one theologian regarding Christ, that there are no words outside the Word...
- The Last Words of Jesus: GODFORSAKEN
Jesus’ life was a becoming. It is constituted by which it was going, not by what was behind. Thus, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” - The Last Words of Jesus: AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS
The Sayings known as the "Seven Last Words" are recorded by the evangelists as words spoken from the cross in his passion. - The Last Words of Jesus: I THIRST
Of all the words spoken on the cross that day, these words were the only ones that were related to the person of Jesus, as it were the only egocentric words.
Upcoming
About the Director
Joy J. Moore is the Associate Dean for Black Church Studies and Church Relations, and Visiting Assistant Professor of Homiletics and the Practice of Ministry. She also directs the Office of Black Church Studies.
Moore is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. She previously taught homiletics, and provided pastoral ministry and administrative leadership in the UMC before joining the Divinity School. A frequent speaker and retreat leader, Moore has held pastorates in rural urban and suburban Michigan.
Contact the Office of
Black Church Studies
Office of Black Church Studies
Duke Divinity School
Box 90968
Durham, NC 27708-0968
(919) 660-3461
obcs@div.duke.edu