Sri Lanka, Christians celebrate 200 years of the Ceylon Bible Society
Colombo (AsiaNews) - The Ceylon Bible Society (CBS), an ecumenical Christian organization, today celebrates 200 years since its foundation. Founded in 1812, under British colonialism, CBS is one of the oldest associations in Sri Lanka. It translates, publishes and distributes the Bible throughout the island. To celebrate the bicentenary, bishops, religious leaders and believers of various Christian denominations attended a thanksgiving service, celebrated by Card. Malcolm Ranjith. In addition, CBS has launched an ambitious project: the distribution of 10 thousand Bibles in Tamil and Sinhalese, throughout the State. For the occasion, AsiaNews interviewed Lakshani Fernando, Secretary General of the Ceylon Bible Society.
How can the Bible Society help to unite all the churches and bring Christian unity?
By organizing various events, programs, Thanksgiving Services and bringing the different denominations to one platform and forming Regional Committees with the participation of members from different denominations.
Why are different churches using different Bibles?
Some churches use the old version of the Bible as they believe that the particular translation is an accurate one of the original version and they object to the language change in the newer translations. In 1982 the Roman Catholic Church and the mainline churches came together and agreed in printing a common Bible. The language and the style are very simple and today many churches use this Bible which is also recommended as the recommended Bible for the G.C. E. Ordinary level and Advanced Level syllabuses in schools. Mostly it is according to the tradition of the church people decide on the Bible version. Most people resist changes therefore continue to use the same Bible version. The influence of the clergy also matters in deciding which version of the Bible to be used.
Are the churches helping you to find money for your work?
It is individuals who provide most funding. Some churches have a collection for Bible Sunday and give funds to the CBS.
What are the major activities of CBS ?
The primary objectives of the Ceylon Bible Society as enumerated in the Record of Inaugural meeting of "The Colombo Auxiliary Bible Society" [CBS' original name - ed] are, "to encourage the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, without note or comment, and especially to supply the demands of the native Christians in the Island of Ceylon". Looking back over the activities of the CBS for past two centuries, it is evident beyond doubt that these objectives have been faithfully pursued and are praiseworthy.
Some of the major missionary services of the CBS are as follows; translate, print, publish and distribute Bibles in Sinhala and Tamil; distribute English Bibles published by other Bible Societies; Make available Braille Bibles for the visually impaired and Audio Bibles (recorded); facilitate interaction with the Bible targeting children, youth and women. Moreover CBS has done great service in the field of Bible translations and distribution of Bibles island wide. Regular Bible distribution programmes and other Bible study programmes have reached all parts of the island including Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps in the North. In 2011 alone 73,592 Bibles, 9,884 New Testaments, 24,569 portions of the Bibles were sold by CBS at concessionary rates.
Which items have sold the most?
The first is the full Bible approximately 1.7 million selling during the period of 2002-2011 and greeting cards which are printed with the Word of God, Children's Bibles, story books, gift items with Bible verses and Bibles in Sinhala Tamil and English are the fastest moving items.
What have your main challenges and achievements been?
The Ceylon Bible Society is an organization which serves all the denominations of the Christian Church. Some people have a mistaken belief that the CBS serve only a limited segment of the Christian community. In organizing the 200th Anniversary we have established Regional Committees Island wide and clergy and lay persons representing their denomination. Sometimes due to lack of funds the CBS have to cut down certain items from the planned programmes or events. Reaching the people from out stations also has been a challenge. Bringing the churches together has been the major achievement of CBS.
What is the message you would love to give?
In view of the great commission of Lord Jesus Christ, the mission of the Ceylon Bible Society is To distribute the "Word of God" to every person who thirsts for it in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Bible Society has a great Vision of providing every Christian home with a Holy Bible, Every Christian a New Testament & a Selection for every Citizen of Sri Lanka. As for my vision, "Is the Bible relevant to each and every person who reads its contents. Is it meaningful and is it effective? Yes, the Ceylon Bible Society is translating, publishing and distributing the Holy Scripture and provide assistance to make the Scripture relevant for daily living.
.png)
