New Edition of Bible Considers African-American Catholic Faith, Youth and Community

A new adaptation of the Bible, edited by the Rev. James Chukwuma Okoye, C.S.Sp., director of the Center for Spiritan Studies, was written with a unique focus on building a link between faith and community for young black Catholics.

Rev. James Chukwuma Okoye, C.S.Sp.

The African-American Catholic Youth Bible, which was released in January, is the first biblical text of its kind to actively address the spiritual formation of young African-American Catholics. It is modeled after the popular Catholic Youth Bible and uses the text of the New American Bible, Revised Edition.

This new edition of the Bible actively makes the connection between black cultural heritage and faith in a way that young readers can easily understand and appreciate. It includes articles, introductions, graphics and other features written from an African-American point of view, allowing young readers to more easily grasp the links between the Bible and their own lives.

“Commentaries and other features in this Bible showcase the African-American expression of the Catholic faith in a manner that has been specially adapted to that age range,” Okoye said. “This allows readers to identify with key themes and to draw parallels between biblical teaching and their own lives as African-Americans.”

This edition also highlights the distinctive black presence in biblical scripture, featuring such notable figures as the Queen of Sheba, the Ethiopian Eunuch and Simon of Cyrene. In addition, it portrays black holy people and those on the way to sainthood—such as Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Henriette Delille, Servant of God Rev. Augustus Tolton and Daniel Rudd—drawing parallels between biblical teaching and their lives. It cites black cultural figures, such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others, discussing black models of religious and civic achievement for young readers to emulate. Additionally, the African-American Catholic Youth Bible focuses on black ministry and encourages youth to pursue the vocations of the Church.

The African-American Catholic Youth Bible is being distributed by St. Mary’s Press and the National Black Catholic Office in Baltimore to African-American parishes, schools and students; parishes with African-American participation; youth leaders; and Catechists.

For more information or to order a copy, contact the Division of Mission and Identity at 412.396.5097.