Last week, I spent a day in Rome, a city where history, art, and faith intersect in breathtaking ways. Walking through some of the most iconic churches and religious monuments, I was struck by the beauty of the art that surrounded me. Frescoes, statues, and paintings depicting scenes from Christianity adorned the walls, each piece telling a story of devotion, faith, and tradition. But as I took in the art, I noticed something that felt deeply out of place — nearly all the depictions of Jesus and Mary were overwhelmingly white.
Rome, with its rich history and global influence, serves as a spiritual center for many. The religious art in these sacred spaces shapes how millions of people see and experience faith. But it left me reflecting on how representation in religious imagery still lags behind the diversity of the world today.
The Power of Religious Imagery
Art has always been a powerful tool for storytelling, especially in religious spaces. The way Jesus, Mary, and other holy figures are portrayed plays a significant role in how people connect with their faith. For centuries, these depictions have often followed a singular tradition — a white Jesus and Mary, often with European features, adorning church walls and altars worldwide.
While these depictions have historical roots, they also send a narrow message about who is considered sacred. In a world as diverse as ours, continuing to center white images of religious figures can unintentionally alienate those who don’t see themselves reflected in these icons. As I stood before these beautiful works of art, I couldn't help but wonder how this impacts people, especially children, who visit these spaces.
Why Representation in Faith Matters
At TWIFE, our mission has always been to bring inclusive representation into faith-based traditions. Seeing predominantly white depictions of Jesus and Mary in Rome reminded me of the significance of our work — creating religious imagery that reflects the rich diversity of the people who practice these faiths.
A Black child growing up and attending church should have the opportunity to see holy figures that look like them. Representation in faith isn’t just about imagery; it’s about identity. When religious icons are diverse, they remind everyone that sacredness and leadership belong to all people, regardless of race or background.
This belief is what led us to create our Black Nativity Set. We wanted to offer families a way to bring more inclusivity into their homes, especially during one of the most important times of the year — the holidays. For too long, religious representations have been limited, and it’s time for that to change. We want children to grow up seeing a Holy Family that looks like their own, because we know how powerful that can be for their faith and self-image.
A Personal Reflection from Rome
As I moved from one church to the next, the thought stayed with me: why, in such an interconnected and diverse world, are we still seeing predominantly white depictions of religious figures? It felt like a missed opportunity to show the universality of faith, to highlight that spirituality transcends race and culture.
Walking through these sacred spaces was a reminder of why our work at TWIFE is so important. Our Black Nativity Set isn’t just about offering a new product — it’s about creating space for all people in the stories and symbols that matter most. We believe everyone should have the chance to see themselves in the sacred, and that’s what motivates us to continue pushing for more inclusive religious imagery.
Looking Toward a More Inclusive Future
My visit to Rome was both awe-inspiring and eye-opening. It reminded me of the beauty of faith, art, and tradition, but also of the work that still needs to be done to make those spaces more inclusive. Seeing predominantly white depictions of Jesus and Mary was a stark contrast to the diverse world we live in today, and it highlighted the importance of continuing to challenge these limited representations.
At TWIFE, we believe in the power of representation. Our hope is that, in the future, churches and religious monuments around the world will reflect the true diversity of the people who visit them. And while we may not be able to change the art in these ancient spaces, we can help families bring more inclusivity into their homes.
Whether through our Black Nativity Set or other inclusive religious imagery, we’re committed to offering products that reflect the diversity of faith. After all, faith belongs to everyone, and the symbols we hold sacred should reflect that.
Important Symbolism
Representation in religious art is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a powerful way to affirm identity and belonging. My visit to Rome reminded me of how important it is to challenge the traditional depictions of Jesus and Mary and to continue advocating for more inclusive representations in faith. At TWIFE, we’re proud to be part of this movement, and we’re committed to ensuring that everyone can see themselves in the symbols that matter most.
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