From Christian Today.
he United Bible Societies marked eight decades of global ministry this month with the release of a landmark declaration pledging renewed commitment to making Scripture accessible to younger generations worldwide.
The fellowship of 156 Bible Societies issued “The Bible for Tomorrow: A Global Commitment to Future Christian Generations” during its anniversary gathering in Jakarta, held May 6–11, alongside a parallel online event drawing representatives from Bible Societies across the globe.
The declaration reaffirms what UBS describes as its founding vision — “the Bible for everyone” — while responding to what the organization calls a period of heightened spiritual openness among young people, even as many report feeling overwhelmed by global instability and moral uncertainty.
Although UBS was formally established in May 1946 in the aftermath of World War II, it traces its roots to the early 19th century and a global Bible movement spanning more than 200 years. Today the fellowship operates in more than 240 countries and territories and, according to the organization, has contributed to over 70% of the world’s Bible translations — enabling more than 6.2 billion people to access Scripture in their primary language.
Secretary General Dirk Gevers said the anniversary was an occasion for both gratitude and forward-looking commitment. “We give thanks for God’s faithfulness and for the countless people who have made the Bible available across languages, cultures, and generations since the beginning of the 19th century, when our global Bible movement started,” he said. “We believe the Bible continues to offer hope, truth, and direction for young people and for all who seek meaning in a complex world.”
The declaration was presented to young leaders from within the fellowship, including Albert Barrero of the Colombian Bible Society and Sonia Irankunda of the Bible Society of Burundi, as well as youth representatives of the Indonesian Bible Society — a gesture the organization said was intended to symbolize its commitment to the generations ahead.