An extra 3,000 copies of the Poverty and Justice Bible have been ordered to keep up with demand as Catholic parishes throughout New Zealand embrace the Poverty and Justice Bible Buy One / Gift One campaign which enables free Bibles to be given to families in need.
A joint initiative between Bible Society New Zealand (BSNZ) and Caritas Aoteraroa New Zealand, the campaign was launched during Social Justice Week in September last year.
To date, more than 4,300 copies of the Poverty and Justice Bible have been distributed to Catholics all over the country, with 1,900 of these gifted to families that may not be able to afford one.
The main beneficiaries include prisons, hospitals, Habitat for Humanity home owners as well as Catholic schools in parishes that have participated in the campaign.
The New Zealand edition of the Poverty and Justice Bible has also been given to RCIA members preparing for marriage, new migrants, and people in the Philippines. A shipment of 140 gifted copies is soon to be sent to a high school in the Solomon Islands.
Neels Janse Van Rensburg of BSNZ said, “At every parish the Bible was received with enthusiasm and appreciation by parishioners, as well as, parish priests.
Some commented on how it would help Catholics practically engage with mission through gifting a Bible and helping them put their faith in action.”
Father Ron Bennett of St Teresa’s Church in Karori said, “I think as a church we are called to show mercy to the underdog and people who have no-one to speak for them.
“The Poverty and Justice Bible really brings out how to be a Christian on this issue.”
“It is wonderful to know these Bibles, with the highlighted verses, are both challenging and enriching peoples’ lives as they learn about the issue of poverty and justice”
“I have loved seeing people pick up their Poverty and Justice Bible and realize that they can do something to make our world a better place,” Bible Society President, Cardinal John Dew said.”
It is anticipated that almost 60 parishes throughout the country will have participated in the Poverty and Justice campaign by the end of the year.
Source
Supplied
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