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Handwritten Bible unites communities in Ireland
IRELAND — An ambitious project to unite Christians across the island of Ireland and get tens of thousands of people to write out a small portion on the Scriptures has got off to a good start. Within two months of the official launch of the Handwritten Bible project at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, Northern Ireland, on May 9, the UBS Day of Prayer, 500 churches in the north had registered their interest in participating and almost 100 had set up a Scriptorium (writing station). In the south, writing packs had been sent to 84 centres and 41 had already returned the handwritten text. Joint initiative This joint initiative of the Bible Society in Northern Ireland and the National Bible Society of Ireland is one of a number of projects marking the bicentenary of Bible ministry in Ireland. As well as celebrating the history of Bible work and reminding people that, historically, copying out the Scriptures was the only way to pass them on to future generations, it is also designed to look to the future by providing the Scriptures in a unique format to all the people of Ireland, regardless of their background. This was clearly demonstrated at the launch, where the leaders of the four main Churches each wrote out some verses. Careful copying Similar responses are already being seen to this latest project. In the Republic of Ireland, where participants have ranged in age from a three-year-old who managed to write one word to a 92-year-old, the comments received by the Bible Society reflect the interest that it has generated. Opportunity “It was a great opportunity to get some young people involved
who don’t come to Bible class,” said one participant. “I’m
hoping that next term they will come as they have met the others in
the group.” “These verses were just what I needed today,”
said another.
At every writing station, each participant receives a lasting reminder of their contribution in the form of a special edition of Luke’s Gospel and a certificate recording the verses they have written. Spin-off projects With all churches and schools having been invited to participate, it is likely that there will be a considerable number of spin-off projects that will bring churches together and get many more people involved in the Bible cause. Participating groups are being encouraged to follow up the initial Scripture writing activity by raising funds for five Scripture projects in India. Vision As the vision behind this project becomes reality, the outcome will be two complete handwritten copies of the Scriptures, one for each part of Ireland. The bound volumes will be placed on public display and made available on loan to participating groups. An earlier report about this project can be found in World
Report 399/8. |
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The
Bible Societies believe that careful reading and copying of Bible verses
has the potential to bring people into contact with God’s Word
in a way they have never experienced before. This has certainly been
the case in other countries where handwritten Bible projects have already
been undertaken. In Portugal in 2004, for example, volunteers organising
the writing sessions were often asked, “Did you choose this verse
specially for me?”
