The Center for the Study of Black Faith and Life

A New Center of Chicago Theological Seminary, the Center for the Study of Black Faith and Life (CSBFL) is the first Center within a denominational seminary to seek connections with the larger Black faith community inclusive of a variety of Black religions. The CSBFL is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will speak with a prophetic voice that lifts high the African American heritage of faith, freedom, and justice.

The Center will, through research, critical examination, theological reflection, and contextual engagement, address the forces of oppression and dehumanization for the betterment of academy, church, and community.

Organizing Committee

Lee H. Butler, Jr., Ph.D.
Professor of Theology and Psychology and founding Director of the CSBFL, CTS

Susan B. Thistlethwaite, Ph.D.
President, CTS

Julia Speller, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Administration, Associate Professor of American Religious History and Culture, and Kenneth B. Smith Professor of Public Ministry, CTS

JoAnne Terrell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Ethics and Theology, CTS

Vanessa Lovelace, M.Div.
Ph.D. Student, CTS

Teresa Hord Owens, M.Div.
Dean of Students, University of Chicago Divinity School

Roy Holmes, D.Min.
Bishop, AME Zion Church and CTS alumnus

Edward Smith Davis, M.Div.
Executive Pastor, God Can Ministries UCC and CTS alumnus

Barbara Ragland, MBA
President, Lydia Group

C. Shelby Rooks Lecture

The annual C. Shelby Rooks Lecture is names for the first African American to serve as president of a predominantly white theological school—Chicago Theological Seminary, from 1974-1984. C. Shelby Rooks was one of the founders of the Society for the Study of Black Religion. An influential minister in the United Church of Christ and in the African American religious community, Rooks served as executive vice president of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries from 1984 until his retirement in 1992. Earlier, he headed the Fund for Theological Education in Princeton, Ne Jersey, and had been pastor of Lincoln Memorial Temple UCC in Washington, D.C. Rev. Rooks passed away on May 19, 2001.

Past Speakers: