Bible Society work in Denmark

Danish Bible Society  Frederiksborggade 50  DK 1360 Copenhagen K  Denmark Tel: +(45)-3312-7835 Fax: +(45)-3393-2150 E-mail:bibelselskabet@bibelselskabet.dk

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Bible Society Annual Report 2004-05

The slogan of the Bible Society is 'We Make the Bible Present' and, this year, we delivered against this slogan by publishing two new Bible editions: a pink paperback for young people at confirmation and a blue paperback that includes
information and facts about the Bible, primarily targeted at new readers. Along with the Standard Bible, both new editions are selling very well.

Additionally, six illustrated, easy-to-read books have been published for school children aged from 7 to 10. They include three stories from the Old Testament and three stories from the New Testament, and have become part of lessons in primary and lower-secondary schools.

A new series of books entitled Bible & Music was also launched to reach those people who relate to the Bible through oratorios and musical works like Bach's Christmas Oratorio and Handel's Messiah. These two works are the subjects of the first two books of the series. The texts of the works are printed in both the original language and in Danish and accompanied by comments from people with specialist knowledge about the significant role of the Bible in musical
history.

During the autumn, the Bible Society published a small book entitled For My Love – The Song of Solomon, which has proved to be very popular. At the same time, a DVD with biblical and liturgical texts in sign language was published for those people who are unable to hear. The DVD is the result of four years of translation and is already being used in Danish churches.

In November, an illustrated hymn book for children was launched, containing a selection of Psalms that are both rhythmically and melodically appealing to children. The colourful illustrations are created by the famous Danish artist Bjorn
Norgaard.

One major tool towards making the Bible present is by using contemporary language. To this end, a project for the translation of the New Testament into contemporary Danish was commissioned in 2001. The project is progressing well and it is anticipated that the edition will be published during 2006.

Book publishing is only one of the methods we adopt for promoting the Bible's relevance in today's culture. Activities and events are other ways in which we try to reach both those people who engage with the Bible and those who do not. This year, we have held a Bible Marathon as well as activities surrounding a Bible jar containing Bible verses. The Christian church and the Bible are very much part of the lives of many Danish people. Indeed, there appears to be a resurgence of interest amongst those who have moved away from the faith. This tendency corresponds to the mission of the Bible Society: making the Bible appeal to people. This appeal is exemplified by the number of materials sold and handed out by the Bible Society, mainly brochures and booklets inspiring people to open the Bible regularly – so that the Bible is experienced as being present.