Dr. Susan Wilds McArver

A Rumor of Black Lutherans

History & Biography

“James Thomas's book provides a welcome contribution to a long-overlooked subject, the history of African American leaders within the larger story of Lutherans in America. Through ten brief biographies of individuals who lived between the eighteenth and twenty-first centuries, he illuminates this often-invisible history, emphasizing the ministry and witness of these pioneers in a church that often barely acknowledged their presence. This work is a thoughtful contribution that both broadens our understanding of what constitutes Lutheran history and contributes to contemporary discussions about Lutheran identity, culture, and context.”

Telling a Fuller Story

History & Biography

“This collection gathers significant essays on Black Lutheran history in the United States and the Caribbean, bringing together in one volume scholarship originally presented to the Lutheran Historical Conference during the past two decades. Helpful introductory essays situate these studies within the broader development of the field over the past fifty years, tracing the evolution of both historical interpretation and scholarly inquiry while critically engaging the voices, perspectives, and limitations that have shaped the writing of this history. Together, these essays provide an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and general readers alike while pointing toward important new directions for future research.”