A special edition New Testament emblazoned with the union jack is on sale for a limited time to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The New Testaments have been put together by the Church of England, HOPE and Biblica.

They have been designed for local churches to give away in schools, at street parties or during other Diamond Jubilee events.

Included in the special editions are eight pages of pictures from the Coronation and the Queen's life, linking her 60-year reign and her Christian faith.

There is also a suggested reading section with Bible references on different topics and a guide to help readers understand the significance of Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection.

The text is the British New International Version 2011, which has been gifted by Biblica.

The souvenir edition is on sale in packs of 50 until 1 May. More than 44,000 copies were sold over Easter alone.

Dr Rachel Jordan, National Mission and Evangelism Adviser, said in a new Church of England podcast: “The Queen was given a commemorative version of the Bible herself on her Coronation Day with the words that it was the best gift she was ever going to receive. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the Church in this land gave back to the nation, in marking her Diamond Jubilee, the best gift they will ever receive - the free gift of the New Testament?”

Roy Crowne, Executive Director of the national mission movement HOPE, said: “We are thrilled with the response so far. We are making this souvenir New Testament available at cost price – just 50p a copy – so that churches can give them away as a lasting reminder of the Queen’s 60 years of faithful service to the country and Commonwealth. We hope that many churches will use this opportunity to give this special gift to people in their communities as they celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.”


A pack of 50 costs £25 and can be bought at diamondjubileebibles.eventbrite.com