Closing the academic–ecclesiastical gap: Black church studies’ role in eliminating health disparities

In recent years, programs of Black Church Studies (BCS) have begun to examine their relevance and viability in relation to the academy, church, and society. In light of a preponderance of social inequities faced by African American communities and considering the historical role of the Black Church as social institution, such critical self-reflection is warranted. An inward assessment is necessary to the advancement of BCS as a field of study in seminaries, as a contributor of scholarship to churches and as a wellspring of ideas for programs and policy for the community.