The Identity and Ethos
of the United Bible Societies

Who we are, what we do and how we work together

The world fellowship of national Bible Societies joins together, as the United Bible Societies (UBS), for consultation, mutual support and action in their common task of

achieving the widest possible, effective and meaningful distribution of the Holy Scriptures

• in languages and media which meet the needs of people world wide,
• in translations that are faithful to the Scripture texts in their original languages, and which communicate the biblical message
• at prices people can afford,

and of helping people interact with the Word of God.

The Bible Societies seek to carry out their task in partnership and cooperation with all Christian churches and with church related organisations.

Bible Societies: who we are

The Bible Society movement has as its motivation the fulfilment of the Great Commission (Matt. 28: 18-20). The Bible Societies understand their task as participation in the mission of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – as witnessed in the Holy Scriptures: “These are written so that you will put your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. If you have faith in him, you will have true life.” (John 20:31 CEV)

The Bible Societies see the churches as the primary agents of God’s mission in the world. The Bible Societies serve the churches and their partner organisations as a resource, but do not usurp the mission of the churches. Yet, in some situations, the Bible Societies can best equip the churches by being catalysts and pioneers on the cutting edge of mission, opening up new areas of Christian witness.

The Bible Societies affirm that the Holy Scriptures belong to all churches, recognising that doctrinal interpretation of the Scriptures belongs to them.

The Bible Societies are an expression of the fellowship of God’s people sharing their resources. These include, for example, spiritual gifts, knowledge, money, time, talents, and technology.

The Bible Societies use sound business principles in order to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency in their service. However, the ultimate goal of their activities is the fulfilment of the Great Commission.

Bible Societies: what we do

The Bible Societies believe that the Bible is for all people. Traditionally the work of the Bible Societies has concentrated on making the Bible accessible and affordable. This involves both publishing programs - translation, production and distribution - and fundraising programs to help this happen.

The Bible Societies have come to see that provision of the printed text, however well presented, is only one part of their task. To achieve the most effective and meaningful distribution, the Bible Societies also recognise the need to develop programs using all forms of media to stimulate and facilitate encounter with the biblical text in churches and in public arenas. They do this with the conviction that God’s words will never return without doing all that He sends them to do (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Bible Societies: how we work together

The Bible Societies work as a fellowship of partners seeking to serve one another, and together to serve the churches in the spirit in which Christ serves us. Paul describes this mutual service in his letter to the Philippians: “Care about them as much as you care about yourselves and think the same way that Christ Jesus thought.” (Phil 2:3-5 CEV)

In working together, the Bible Societies aim for open relationships, mutual accountability and responsible use of God given resources.

The Bible Societies have from the beginning worked together as a family. Coming from different backgrounds and possessing a variety of spiritual gifts they have envisioned and empowered one another to further their work together.

In 1946 this co-operation took a more formal structure when national Bible Societies founded the United Bible Societies - a global network with structures designed to help them function in a more effective manner both nationally and internationally.

UBS structures enable three inter-related functions to be fulfilled:

A. LEADERSHIP
Leadership inspires and encourages the organisation to fulfil its purpose, sets strategies, pulls people and concepts together, and responds to challenges and threats to the organisation. This is provided by UBS Boards, committees, and the Global Senior Management Team.

B. GOVERNANCE
Governing bodies establish key policies, determine the allocation of resources, and monitor overall performance and adherence to membership standards. This function is carried out by representative groups elected by UBS member Societies to act on their behalf as Boards and committees, in line with strategic directions established by the member Societies meeting in World Assembly.

C. MANAGEMENT
Management provision covers administrative and technical services for and on behalf of member Societies. These services also include managing work in countries where no member Bible Society is established. Services are provided by member Societies and by UBS service units.

The Bible Societies pray together that as a result of their common efforts, people in all parts of the world will receive the Word of God and see the true Light in Jesus Christ shining to everyone (John 1:9).