Behind the altar is a massive portrait of Jesus Christ hanging on the cross. The image of Jesus Christ portrayed however is that of an African. Likewise those of Joseph the Capenter, His Mother, Virgin Mary, and Mary Magdalene
By Uche Nworah
Traditionally, you will find a representation of the image of God the Father, or His Son, Jesus Christ, presented as Caucasian males in murals and other paintings in churches, especially Catholic Churches. This has over time given rise to the thinking in the minds of many that God is ‘White’, Jesus Christ too.
It was therefore a delightful surprise for me at 8am mass this beautiful Sunday morning, as I worshipped at Holy Family Catholic Church, Life Camp, Abuja, for the very first time, to behold a counter narrative.
Behind the altar is a massive portrait of Jesus Christ hanging on the cross. The image of Jesus Christ portrayed however is that of an African. Likewise those of Joseph the Capenter, His Mother, Virgin Mary, and Mary Magdalene.
A portrait to the left of the main one in the middle shows Jesus Christ having the last supper with the disciples, and they are all Africans. The portrait to the left shows John the Baptist baptizing Jesus Christ. All the persons in the painting are all Africans. There is even a fellow wearing isiagu clothes and red cap. Very relatable images for Africans.
I don’t know if the Catholic Church has an official policy on the ‘political correctness’ of the ethnic identity of Biblical characters that should be hung in churches, but I think the folks at Holy Family Catholic Church, Life Camp, Abuja, may have started something great here, trying to de-colonize the mind of their parishioners. After all, if God created us in his image as the Bible tells us, God and His son, Jesus Christ, are Africans. Onye na nke ya!
* Nworah Ph.D, is a marketing communications expert and culture enthusiast.