Bible Societies around the world at threat of closure over coronavirus

 (Photo: Unsplash/MD Duran)

The financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has left dozens of Bible Societies around the world at risk of closure. 

The impact of lockdown across many countries has halted the sale of Bibles through the Societies, while also impeding vital fundraising work in local churches. 

In some countries, like Jordan, Burkina Faso and Egypt, the Societies are one of the few places where people can buy a Bible.

They are also one of the principal drivers of Bible translation and engagement work, and run many additional programmes to support vulnerable minority groups like street children, the blind and the illiterate.

The Bible Society was founded in 1804 by Christian campaigners, including William Wilberforce, and there are 150 Bible Societies in operation around the world today. 

But some 88 of them - serving 245 million people - are threatened with closure

A £5m scheme has now been launched by the Bible Society in England to save the most at-risk Societies, with the first set of funds already earmarked for Gambia, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica.

Oldi Morava, Director of International Mission for the Bible Society, in England, said, "In all of these countries, the Bible has an impact on people's lives, and can change individuals lives and their communities in a radical way.

"If these Bible Societies close, we will face a situation where the Bible will not be distributed in some countries and there will be a great risk of Christian communities not having access to the Bible."

He added, "Bible Societies have been operating for more than 200 years. We've gone through two world wars and the 1918 flu pandemic. We've always been able to continue. It would be dreadful if some Bible Societies around the world had to close now because of the coronavirus pandemic."

To donate to the appeal, click here.

News
The story of the pope known as the Apostle to the English
The story of the pope known as the Apostle to the English

Pope Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great, was one of the most important popes, and his positive legacy is still felt today - not least in Britain. This is the story … 

Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide

Christians are doubling down on efforts to stop assisted suicide becoming legal in England and Wales after Kim Leadbeater's bill was debated in Westminster on Friday. 

Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign
Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign

More than 100 Christian leaders recently came together at a parliamentary reception in London for the launch of Shine Your Light 2025 — a bold evangelistic initiative aiming to bring the message of Christ to streets, neighbourhoods, and marketplaces across the UK.

Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling
Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling

An NHS trust has been accused of continually flouting the law around women’s rights by requiring female nurses to get changed in front of a biologically male nurse who goes by the name of “Rose”.