One of the oldest and most significant Black church studies offerings among U.S. theological schools has received a $5 million grant from The Duke Endowment.

Per an online statement, the grant will be used to recruit and support a senior faculty member specializing in Black church studies. 

Duke Divinity School Dean Edgardo Colon-Emeric said, “The Black church knows social justice; it knows music; it knows preaching.” He continued, “This award from The Duke Endowment will allow the Office of Black Church Studies to elevate its nationally prominent role as a leader in the study of Black church theological and spiritual study.”

The Office of Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School was founded in 1972 and led until 1977 by Joseph B. Bethea, who became the first Black bishop elected to the episcopacy by the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

“The Office of Black Church studies has played a significant role in Duke’s proud history of nurturing spiritual leaders,” Duke President Vincent E. Price said. “This award from The Duke Endowment is an affirmation of the importance of scholarship and other academic engagement related to the Black church, and will further solidify Duke Divinity School’s leadership in the field of Black church studies.”