The American Bible Society's Partnership with UBS Extends Ministry Reach Around the World
The world fellowship of national Bible Societies joins together, as the United Bible Societies (UBS), for consultation, mutual support and action in their common task of achieving the widest possible, effective and meaningful distribution of the Holy Scriptures in languages and media which meet the needs of people world wide, in translations that are faithful to the Scripture texts in their original languages, and which communicate the biblical message at prices people can afford, and of helping people interact with the Word of God.
The Bible Societies seek to carry out their task in partnership and cooperation with all Christian churches and with church related organizations.
Bible Societies: who we are
The Bible Society movement has as its motivation the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matt. 28: 18-20). The Bible Societies understand their task as participation in the mission of God Father, Son and Holy Spirit as witnessed in the Holy Scriptures: “These are written so that you will put your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. If you have faith in him, you will have true life.” (John 20:31 CEV)
The Bible Societies see the churches as the primary agents of God’s mission in the world. The Bible Societies serve the churches and their partner organizations as a resource, but do not usurp the mission of the churches. Yet, in some situations, the Bible Societies can best equip the churches by being catalysts and pioneers on the cutting edge of mission, opening up new areas of Christian witness.
Bible Societies: what we do
The Bible Societies believe that the Bible is for all people. Traditionally the work of the Bible Societies has concentrated on making the Bible accessible and affordable. This involves both publishing programs - translation, production and distribution - and fundraising programs to help this happen.
The Bible Societies have come to see that provision of the printed text, however well presented, is only one part of their task. To achieve the most effective and meaningful distribution, the Bible Societies also recognize the need to develop programs using all forms of media to stimulate and facilitate encounter with the biblical text in churches and in public arenas.
Bible Societies: how we work together
The Bible Societies work as a fellowship of partners seeking to serve one another, and together to serve the churches in the spirit in which Christ serves us. In working together, the Bible Societies aim for open relationships, mutual accountability and responsible use of God given resources.
In 1946 this co-operation took a more formal structure when national Bible Societies founded the United Bible Societies - a global network with structures designed to help them function in a more effective manner both nationally and internationally.
Purpose Statement
The world fellowship of national Bible Societies joins together, as the United Bible Societies (UBS), for consultation, mutual support and action in their common task of achieving the widest possible, effective and meaningful distribution of the Holy Scriptures and of helping people interact with the Word of God.
The Bible Societies seek to carry out their task in partnership and cooperation with all Christian churches and with church related organizations.
Visit the United Bible Societies' site.
