The Church of England (CofE) has sparked discussions by depicting St Augustine as a black man in its new children’s book, Heroes of Hope. Part of an effort to celebrate diversity, the book showcases black and brown saints historically marginalized and ‘whitewashed’ in traditional depictions, framing them as integral figures in the shaping of modern society.
Historical Context of St Augustine
Aurelius Augustinus, known as St Augustine, was born on November 13, 354, in Tagaste, Numidia (modern-day Algeria), then part of the Roman Empire. Of Berber heritage, he was deeply rooted in North African culture. Although predominantly depicted as white in art over centuries, the new portrayal in Heroes of Hope emphasizes his African origins, sparking broader conversations about representation in Christianity.
St Augustine is one of Christianity’s most influential theologians, with his contributions shaping foundational doctrines. His extensive writings, spanning sermons and theological treatises, have left an enduring legacy. Despite passing away in 430 AD, his works resonate across both Catholic and Protestant traditions.
Purpose Behind Heroes of Hope
The book was co-authored by Rev. Dr. Sharon Prentis, deputy director of the Church’s Racial Justice Unit, and Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde, the national education lead for racial justice. Published by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, the book highlights the contributions of 22 inspirational Christians of diverse cultural backgrounds. Designed for children, it seeks to challenge historical narratives and emphasize the integral roles that people of global majority heritage have played within the Church.
The foreword written by Lord Paul Boateng, the UK’s first Black Cabinet Minister, underscores the broader mission of the book: inspiring young readers by celebrating cultural diversity within Christianity.
Diversity Efforts by the Church of England
The publication of Heroes of Hope ties into broader initiatives by the Church’s Racial Justice Unit, formed in 2022 amidst calls for increased racial equity after the global Black Lives Matter protests. This unit has focused on projects like diversifying Christian imagery, addressing the history of slavery-linked monuments, and implementing anti-racism education in schools.
One example includes teaching the ‘pyramid of white supremacy,’ adapted from US-based anti-bias frameworks and aimed at helping students recognize how stereotypes can escalate into systemic issues. Though met with some internal criticism over budget priorities and ideological concerns, the CofE has stood firm in its commitment to its diversity goals.
A Larger Trend in Diverse Representation
The portrayal of St Augustine as black in Heroes of Hope aligns with a growing trend in children’s literature to highlight underrepresented histories. Similar initiatives, such as Brilliant Black British History, have sought to reframe traditionally Eurocentric narratives of history in the UK. These works are part of a broader movement to challenge exclusionary practices and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of diverse communities.
Ultimately, Heroes of Hope seeks not only to educate but also to inspire future generations by reinforcing the message of inclusivity and representation in Christian history. The Church plans to distribute a limited number of free copies to schools, promoting its accessibility to children nationwide.
