Declaration for Future Christian Generations from the United Bible Societies Global Fellowship on the occasion of its 80th anniversary
We, the United Bible Societies Fellowship of 156 Bible Societies, united in our calling to serve the global Church and all who seek the Bible, issue this Declaration for Future Christian Generations.
Our calling is rooted in the shared vision entrusted to us: The Bible for everyone.
Affirming our unity and our interconfessional service, we offer this Declaration in the spirit of service to the churches, communities, and individuals of goodwill. We commit ourselves to the flourishing of future Christian generations, and we call on the global Church, Christian communities, and all people of goodwill to join us in this purpose.
The Global Landscape
Today's world is marked by profound conflict, uncertainty, and moral confusion. Many young people describe feeling unanchored, overwhelmed by crisis, and unsure where to turn for direction. Yet this turbulence has awakened a spiritual curiosity. From deeply religious societies to highly secular ones, people are increasingly open to exploring the Bible or engaging with Christian communities when invited. Younger generations are seeking a compass, a trustworthy foundation upon which to build their lives.
We believe the Bible offers precisely this: an anchor of enduring values, a source of unchanging hope, and a narrative that speaks into the deepest questions of the human search for truth, belonging, justice, and peace. The Bible connects people to God through Jesus, the Word of God incarnate.
Our Commitment to Future Generations
In light of our vision and the global landscape, we, the Fellowship of United Bible Societies, commit ourselves:
- To seek God's guidance through Scripture and prayer, depending on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, creativity and effectiveness in all we undertake.
- To make the Bible available to all in languages and formats that meet people where they are, ensuring access regardless of geography, literacy, or social and economic circumstances.
- To foster Bible engagement, encouraging reflection, discipleship, and community practices that nurture lifelong encounters with God.
- To honour cultural and contextual diversity of the local realities through translations in a variety of formats, including digital, audio, sign languages, and for people with visual disabilities.
- To serve churches, equipping and supporting them in their God-given mission, ensuring that our interconfessional ministry enables them to help people encounter the Bible richly.
- To respond to human need through holistic ministry, joining Bible engagement with acts of compassion, healing, and justice in the footsteps of Jesus.
We invite churches, ministries, and Christian partners around the world to join us in ensuring that future generations are rooted in Scripture and equipped to face a complex world with faith and maturity.
Our Hope for the Generations to Come
We pray and work for a future where new generations:
- engage with the Scriptures as a source of faith, wisdom, and hope;
- inherit a Church that is vibrant, diverse, and rooted in love;
- participate in God's mission with courage, compassion and joy.
With humility and confidence in God's faithfulness, we, a global Fellowship of 156 Bible Societies, dedicate ourselves anew to the vision entrusted to us: the Bible for everyone, now and for generations yet to come.
Originally from the United Bible Societies
CCD edited and reprinted with permission
