American Bible Society marks anniversary of terrorist attacks

NEW YORK CITY, USA — In the run-up to first anniversary of the ‘9/11’ terrorist attacks, the American Bible Society (ABS) encouraged the general public to become involved in the special commemorative events which were planned. The Society aimed to “use 9/11 to renew its call to reach every soul in America with the life-changing message of the Bible.”

The aim of the events was to create a 24-hour public memorial. On the eve of the anniversary, composer David Pack hosted a concert at which his piece Psalm 23: A Prayer for America was performed. The concert was accompanied by a candle-lighting vigil, performances of worship music and a video wall.

At 8.30am on September 11 itself, a gathering of ABS employees and supporters outside Bible House heard ABS President Dr Eugene Habecker read a tribute prayer. A silent vigil was followed by a performance of Mozart’s composition as a Rolling Requiem across different time zones and countries. ABS staff also prayed and read from the Scriptures at significant places around the city.

The ABS also hosted a special luncheon at Bible House for guests including church leaders, representatives from the Bible Society of Egypt and the Bible Society in Jordan and members of Police Officers for Christ and Firefighters for Christ.

The Society hoped to reach people unable to attend these events through a television documentary shown on September 11. The documentary, A Vision of Hope, detailed how the Society has undertaken a large-scale Scripture distribution campaign in response to the tragedy.