Bishop David D. Daniels III, COGIC bishop and scholar of global Christianity, died on Oct. 10 at age 70 after battling cancer. A professor of world Christianity and church history at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, Daniels sought to build understanding of historical African and Black Pentecostal contributions to the faith.
The late bishop and professor was “Not only a tremendous individual in the Church of God in Christ but also an influential figure in the body of Christ,” Church of God in Christ Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard said in a statement.
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Daniels’ consecration as a COGIC bishop was not to a pastoral role; he was given distinctive responsibility for educational programs within the denomination, an unusual move on the part of COGIC leaders. He devoted his life to academia and ministry.
A statement honoring Daniels on the McCormick Seminary website said, in part,
His impact as the Henry Winters Luce Professor of World Christianity and Professor of Church History was immeasurable. His commitment to challenging the narratives of history and decolonizing our understanding of the origins of the Church earned him the deep admiration of his colleagues and students alike. “The McCormick community was deeply enriched by the life and legacy of Dr. Daniels. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Rev. Dr. Delois Daniels, his children, and loved ones as we grieve with them,” shared McCormick President Dr. Maisha Handy. “His contributions to theological education are significant and timeless. He will be missed by our village.”
A celebration of life will take place Oct. 26 at noon at the Covenant United Church of Christ in Holland, Illinois, and the COGIC national homegoing celebration will occur on Oct. 28 at noon at the Freedom Temple COGIC in Chicago.
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