Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson Advocates for Inclusive Theological Leadership in New Book

Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, a veteran pastor and civil rights leader, directly addresses the role of women in ministry and theological leadership in a dedicated section of his new book Never Lost, titled "Womanist Theology and the Role of Women in Leadership." Drawing from lived pastoral experience and decades of institutional leadership, Richardson challenges the Church to examine how exclusionary practices weaken its witness and limit its capacity to lead faithfully in complex times. "For the Black Church to remain a sanctuary of hope and a catalyst for justice," Richardson writes, "it must also deepen its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. This involves intentionally creating spaces where all voices are valued, and all members feel seen and heard."

What distinguishes Richardson's contribution is not only his theological argument but the consistency with which he has lived it. For more than fifty years as pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, he has intentionally elevated women into positions of authority, leadership, and influence. In his earlier memoir, Witness to Grace, Richardson reflects candidly on dismantling long-standing gender barriers within church governance, including the decision to ordain women fully and restructure leadership systems that had historically limited their roles. "Unfortunately, many Black churches perpetuate a legacy of female exclusion from ordained leadership in the church, reflective of the broader culture," Richardson wrote in Witness to Grace. In another passage, he draws a direct moral connection between racial and gender injustice, stating, "Sexism is the identical twin of racism. We must reject the many faces of the same demon."

Rather than approaching the issue as a theoretical debate, Never Lost frames women's leadership as essential to the spiritual health, moral credibility, and future viability of the Church. Richardson argues that inclusive leadership is not a concession to cultural pressure, but a faithful expression of the Gospel's call to justice, dignity, and shared responsibility. For theological seminaries, faculty, and students engaged in the formation of future church leaders, Never Lost offers a substantive and pastoral resource that bridges academic theology and lived ministry. It offers theological education a timely opportunity to consider how leaders—women and men alike—are shaped to serve with conviction, courage, and integrity in a changing cultural landscape.

Never Lost, set for release on February 3, 2026, from Wharton Curtis Press, is currently available for preorder at NeverLostBook.com. The book represents a significant intervention in contemporary theological discourse, particularly within Black church traditions where debates about gender and leadership continue to shape institutional practices. Richardson's arguments carry weight not only because of his theological credentials but because of his demonstrated commitment to implementing inclusive practices within his own congregation for over half a century. This practical experience grounds his theological claims in real-world application, making his critique of exclusionary practices particularly compelling for church leaders seeking to navigate questions of gender equity within their own communities.

The implications of Richardson's work extend beyond individual congregations to the broader landscape of theological education and church leadership development. By framing women's leadership as essential rather than optional, Never Lost challenges theological institutions to examine their own curricula, faculty composition, and formation practices. Richardson's connection between racial justice and gender justice provides a framework for understanding how various forms of oppression intersect within religious institutions, offering a holistic approach to creating more equitable communities of faith. As cultural attitudes toward gender continue to evolve, Richardson's work provides theological resources for churches seeking to remain relevant while maintaining fidelity to their core convictions about human dignity and divine calling.