Latest News #253 – Madagascar
July 31, 2003

Double celebration marks launch of Interconfessional Malagasy Bible

Around 12,000 people attended the launch of the Interconfessional Malagasy Bible at the national stadium in Antananarivo on 22 June, 2003. Antananarivo, Madagascar. Photo: Malagasy Bible Society/Tahina Andriamparany (MAD03DJ-1.JPG)

On 21 June, the conference hall at Bible House was full to capacity as the new Bible, known in Malagasy as ‘Dikanteny Iombonana Eto Madagasikara’ (DIEM), meaning ‘interconfessional’, was presented to church leaders. Special tribute was paid to around 150 people who had contributed in some way since the translation project began in 1975, and prizes were awarded to the winners of competitions to design a logo for the Bible and to compose a hymn to accompany the launch.

The Rev Evariste Munyabarame, United Bible Societies Program Consultant for Southern Africa, speaking at the launch of the Interconfessional Malagasy Bible at the national stadium in Antananarivo on 22 June, 2003. Photo: Malagasy Bible Society/Tahina Andriamparany (MAD03DJ-2.JPG)

The presence at the launch of the Rev Marc Etive, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Mauritius, highlighted the vital role played by this Bible Society in bringing the project to fruition by printing the first batch of the new Bibles in only three days. Two versions were produced, one with Deuterocanon and one without.

The close links between Madagascar and Mauritius were also evident the next day, 22 June, when the DIEM Bible was presented by the Federation of Christian Churches in Madagascar to President Marc Ravalomanana. This thanksgiving service, held at the national stadium in Antananarivo, was attended by Karl Offmann, the President of Mauritius, who was visiting Madagascar on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the island's independence.

Part of the crowd at the launch of the Interconfessional Malagasy Bible at the national stadium in Antananarivo on 22 June, 2003. Photo: Malagasy Bible Society/Tahina Andriamparany (MAD03DJ-3.JPG)

Both the launch at Bible House and the thanksgiving service were covered by newspapers, radio and television, so people across Madagascar were able to feel part of the events. The stadium resounded to the joyful sound of a huge choir as church leaders processed in, and around 12,000 people of all denominations and social backgrounds joined in the singing. Those who spoke at the service included the Rev Evariste Munyabarame, United Bible Societies (UBS) Program Consultant for Southern Africa, who congratulated the Bible Society and its partners for this great achievement. He called on church leaders, Christians and President Ravalomanana to read, obey and share the Bible. This challenge was taken up by President Ravalomanana, who emphasised his commitment to following God’s Word in seeking to develop appropriate social and economic policies.