 | Emilie M. Townes |
Emilie M. Townes, newly designated as the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of African American Religion and Theology, has been instrumental in constructing "womanist theology," a field of theological and ethical reflection in which the historic and present-day insights of African-American women are brought into critical conversation with the traditions of Christian theology.
In her teaching and writing, Townes has explored womanist perspectives on theological themes, linking the subjects of race, gender and class and issues such as health care, economic justice, poetry and linguistic theory. She has also explored the interrelationship between culture and evil.
The theological scholar's books "Womanist Justice, Womanist Hope" and "In a Blaze of Glory: Womanist Spirituality as Social Witness" are considered groundbreaking texts in the field. She authored "Breaking the Fine Rain of Death: African American Health Care and A Womanist Ethic of Care" and is the editor of the anthologies "Embracing the Spirit: Womanist Perspectives on Hope, Salvation, and Transformation" and "A Troubling in My Soul: Womanist Perspectives of Evil and Suffering." She currently has two books in process.
An ordained American Baptist clergywoman, Townes joined the Divinity School faculty in July after serving there for two years as a visiting professor. She came to Yale from Union Theological Seminary, where she was the Carolyn Williams Baird Professor of Christian Ethics. She has also held teaching positions at several other theological schools and seminaries, mostly in the Chicago area. She served for several years as an interim minister at the Christ the Redeemer Metropolitan Community Church in Evanston, Illinois.
The theologian holds three degrees from the University of Chicago: a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts from the Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry. She earned a Ph.D. from The Joint Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary/Northwestern University Program in Religious and Theological Studies.
Townes is a member of the Society for the Study of Black Religion, the Society of Christian Ethics and the American Academy of Religions, among others.
T H I S
Emilie Townes is appointed to
Andrew Mellon Professorship
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
University greets its newest freshmen
Freshman Address by President Richard C. Levin
Freshman Address by Yale College Dean Peter Salovey
President of China to speak at Yale Sept. 8
New dean to promote 'values' seminars at SOM
Scientists correct key error in measurement of global warming
ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS
Joel Podolny named Beinecke Professor of Management
Emilie Townes is appointed to Andrew Mellon Professorship
Thomas Troeger is designated as the Cox Lantz ProfessorGrant to support research into reducing pain of pediatric surgery
Invitation to Yale community: Meet the new World Fellows
University celebrates Sterling Library's 75th anniversary
Conference will focus on role of religion in public life
Yale engages in special community projects during 'Days of Caring'
Yale hockey star Helen Resor is picked for U.S. Women's National Team
Descendents of John Davenport to converge on campus
The Cinema at Whitney, a new film society, begins weekly screenings
Heart-attack patients seeking after-hours care . . .
While You Were Away: The Summer's Top Stories Revisited
Cell biologist named Bayer Fellow
IN MEMORIAM
Abraham Goldstein, former dean and criminal law scholar
John-Michael Montias, economist and expert on Vermeer
Drama school hosts a memorial tribute to . . . Benjamin MordecaiCampus Notes
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