The Reverend Dr. Dennis W. Wiley, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has served for twenty-two years as pastor of the Covenant Baptist Church in Washington, DC, where he succeeded his father, the Reverend H. Wesley Wiley. After his 18  years of service as senior pastor, the congregation affirmed the vision of Dr. Wiley and his wife, the Reverend Dr. Christine Y. Wiley, by calling them to serve together as co-equal pastors four years ago.

A distinguished theologian, prominent civic activist, and gifted musician, Dr. Wiley received the Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude from Harvard University, the Master of Divinity degree cum laude from Howard University, and the Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Dr. Wiley is an adjunct professor of theology at the Howard University School of Divinity. As a member of the American Academy of Religion and the Society for the Study of Black Religion, he has rendered theological presentations throughout the nation and has been published in several major religious books, magazines, and journals. Furthermore, he is a member of the Executive Board of the Black Religious Scholars Group, a member of the Doctoral Advisory Committee of the Fund for Theological Education, and a former member of the Board of Commissioners for the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

Among his numerous civic and denominational commitments, Dr. Wiley founded and serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Covenant Full Potential Development Center. Formerly, he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the celebrated Nannie Helen Burroughs School (NHBS) in Washington, DC and as a member of the Executive Board of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. For his outstanding commitment, dedication, and effectiveness, both of these institutions honored him with "Distinguished Service" awards at the conclusion of his tenure. Presently, he continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the NHBS Board of Trustees.

Published articles by Dr. Wiley include "Black Theology, the Black Church, and the African American Community" in Black Theology: A Documentary History, vol. II by James Cone and Gayraud Wilmore; "Howard Thurman, The Church and The Poor" in Creation Spirituality; and, "Black Theology in Praxis" and "The Meaning of the African American Church" in volumes I and II, respectively, of What Does It Mean to be Black and Christian, edited by Forrest E. Harris, Sr.

Dr. Wiley is an accomplished musician, composer, and arranger. In addition to founding the highly acclaimed Kuumba Singers of Harvard College, he wrote and produced an album of original gospel music entitled, "Something On My Mind," featuring the former Voices of Unity of Covenant Baptist Church. He is also a charter member of the original Howard University School of Divinity Quartet.

In his lifelong quest to help the children of God realize their full, God-given potential, Dr. Wiley considers it a special blessing to be able to work beside his wife as her partner in ministry. They are the proud parents of Aiyana, Samira, and Joshua, and the doting grandparents of Asante, Akaiya, Akina and Addae.