Black Church Leaders Publish New Books on History and Hope

Three prominent Black church leaders published new books in early 2026, each offering a different lens on the state of the Black church in America.

Rev. W. Franklyn Richardson wrote "Never Lost: The Black Church as God's Ark of the Covenant," arguing that the Black church has survived slavery, Jim Crow, and systemic racism and remains a vital institution for Black Americans today.

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton authored "Roots of Resilience: Black History Through the Eyes of Faith," tracing the church's role in shaping Black identity and resistance from the antebellum period to the present.

Rev. Boise Kimber released "Breaking the Stained-glass Ceiling: A Critical Analysis of Women in Ministry in the Black Church," examining the barriers women face in church leadership and calling for structural change.

All three books were released against a backdrop of debate about the church's relevance to younger generations. Writer Jamie Seals, who has written about generational divides in the Black church, notes that Baby Boomers see a loss of tradition, while many in Generation Z view the church as irrelevant or disconnected from their lives.

The authors say they wrote their books partly to address that gap. Each emphasizes the need to include young people, integrate technology, and focus on social justice to keep the church vital.

Religion News Service, which covered the releases, noted that the books arrive at a moment when the Black church faces rising costs, declining youth attendance, and pushback against diversity and equity initiatives.

"The Black church has always adapted," said one of the authors. "That is how it has survived."

All three books are available through major retailers and church bookstores.