Who we are

The United Bible Societies is made up of Bible Societies operating in over 200 countries and territories. Together, we are the biggest translator, publisher and distributor of the Bible in the world. We are also active in areas such as literacy training, HIV and AIDS prevention and disaster relief. Bible Societies work with all Christian Churches and many international non-governmental organisations.

History

United Bible Societies (UBS) is a global network of Bible Societies working in over 200 countries and territories across the world. We believe the Bible is for everyone so we are working towards the day when everyone can access the Bible in the language and medium of their choice.

In 1946, just after the end of World War II, a small group of Bible Societies met together and agreed that Bible Societies all around the world would be stronger if they worked together. They agreed to create the fellowship of Bible Societies that continues today.

Many of the original reasons for forming the United Bible Societies fellowship remain relevant today. We still believe we are stronger together as a fellowship than as independent Bible Societies. By choosing to work together, we believe we are acting in obedience to Jesus’ final prayer request that “…they may be one.” (John 17:21) We put aside doctrinal differences in our common pursuit to make the Bible available to everyone.

In the 21st Century, being a global fellowship enables us to respond with one voice to other global organisations including United Nations and the Roman Catholic church. Having direct contact with local people in every country enables us to speak with authority about the lives of Christians, Bible poverty and the state of Biblical literacy around the world.

Being a global fellowship also enables Bible Societies to collaborate and plan together to achieve a range of impressive goals including building the world’s largest Digital Bible LibraryTM, training thousands of church leaders to respond compassionately to HIV/AIDS through our Good Samaritan programme and teaching hundreds of thousands of people to read in our Bible-based literacy classes.

For more details on the work of the United Bible Societies, please visit the UBS homepage