Scottish Bible Society of is a founding member of the United Bible Societies
Since 1946 Bible Societies have been working together as a fellowship of partners seeking to serve Bible needs worldwide.
The Bible Societies are an expression of the fellowship of God’s people sharing their resources. These include spiritual gifts, knowledge, money, time, talents and technology.
For more information on the Bible Societies at work in more than 200 countries and territories visit www.unitedbiblesocieties.org.
United Bible Societies
Our foundational beliefs
- The Bible Society movement has as its motivation the fulfilment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
- Bible Societies understand their task as participation in the mission of God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - as witnessed in the Holy Scriptures.
- Bible Societies provide resources to equip churches and their partner organisations; we do not usurp the mission of churches.
- Bible Societies affirm that the Holy Scriptures belong to all churches, recognising that doctrinal interpretation of the Scriptures belongs to them.
- Bible Societies believe that the Bible is for all people, in every living language, therefore they see Bible translation as one of their key activities.
- Bible Societies recognise that the Bible has direct relevance in addressing the world’s problems and in reaching out to peoples needs in word and deed, following in the footsteps of Jesus.
Our Values
- UBS value churches as the primary agents of God’s mission in the world
- UBS value resources that help people engage with the Word of God
- UBS value all the different media that enable us to distribute the Bible
- UBS value affordability of Scriptures for everyone
- UBS value each other as partners seeking to serve one another, together serving churches in the same spirit in which Christ served them
- UBS value open relationships, mutual accountability and responsible use of God-given resources
- Providing Bibles at prices people can afford; and working with others in holistic programs to bring the Word of Life and Hope to people in need.
How it all began
In 1800, 15-year-old Mary Jones traversed 40 kilometres on foot through North Wales to buy her own Welsh Bible. She had saved money for six long years before her journey to Bala, where she met with Reverend Thomas Charles, who was so touched by her determination to own a Bible that he sold her three for the price of one.
Mary’s story soon spread among church leaders and opened the discussion around the availability of affordable Welsh Bibles. During a Religious Tract Society meeting on 7 December 1802, Reverend Joseph Hughes asked, “If for Wales, why not for the world?”
Thus began the development of the Bible Society as we know it today, which soon expanded across the globe.
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