A seven-person Chinese Catholic delegation expressed their hope for developing Catholic Chinese Bibles tailored to different age groups during their visit to the world’s largest Bible printing factory in Jiangsu Province.
During their visit to the Nanjing Amity Printing Company on December 16, the delegation, led by Bishop Li Shan, president of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, along with Bishop Shen Bin, President of the Bishops' Conference of the Catholic Church in Chin, learned that over the years, the company has already produced four million copies of Chinese Catholic Bibles. They also expressed their interest in developing more accessible and engaging Chinese Catholic Bibles that meet the needs of various age groups.
Qiu Zhonghui, board chair of Amity Printing Company, shared with the delegation that their company has created and mass-produced a wide range of Bible versions, and even custom-made commemorative Bibles specifically for local churches and chapels.
In the meeting, Bishop Li expressed that he was pleased to see the numerous editions of Bibles with novel binding designs during the visit.
Li emphasized the significance of the initiative led by Bishop K.H.Ting and other older Chinese church leaders to create a Chinese Bible for the Chinese Church as prior to China's liberation in 1949, there was no comprehensive Catholic Chinese Bible. He expressed his hope that in the future, the Amity Company would produce Chinese Bibles that are more appealing and enjoyable for people to read.
He stated that he hopes the Catholic Church in China and the Amity Foundation can continue working together on public welfare and charity projects. He believes that by collaborating, they can make a bigger impact on promoting harmony in Chinese society.
Bishop Shen Bin was impressed by the significant changes since his last visit five years ago. He commended Amity Printing for its ability to thrive despite the challenging economic conditions both domestically and internationally.
As the visit drew to a close, the delegation explored other areas of the company, including the production facilities and the newly constructed second-phase building.
- Translated by Joyce Leung
