The guide seeks to present Holy Scripture in an engaging manner to younger individuals who may not typically engage with the Bible.

The guide, a brainchild of the Bible Society of New Zealand, is a unique response to the Synod on Youth that was held in 2018.

The Bible Society describes Identity:Identified as "unique" and a practical tool to help everyone, especially young people, follow Jesus as they navigate life's challenges and trust him as a true friend and companion.

Beyond featuring hundreds of inspiring and uplifting Biblical passages, Identity:Identified offers 96 pages of curated content across 24 inserts, each addressing key challenges facing today's youth.

Among the topics included are

• navigating loneliness
• peer pressure
• living in a highly sexualised society
• coping with online bullying, and
• understanding life's deeper meaning

Adding a modern touch, the guide features 32 QR codes linking to video testimonials on the transformative power of Scripture in life. An accompanying app enhances the utility of the guide by offering access to insert materials, videos and daily readings.

The New Zealand Bishops have expressed their unequivocal support for Identity:Identified.

They believe the guide will be a powerful reminder to young people of God's enduring love and unfailing support, especially during their most challenging times.

They are optimistic that this innovative approach to spiritual guidance will resonate with young individuals navigating the modern world.

Among the contributors of the Catholic teaching materials are Bishop Steve Lowe, Emeritus Cardinal John Dew, Bishop Michael Dooley and Australia's Archbishop Mark Coleridge, alongside other prominent Catholic figures from Asia-Pacific such as the late Cardinal Sim from Borneo, Archbishop Simon Poh from Malaysia and Bishop Broderick Pabillo from the Philippines.

Source

• Supplied - Bible Society

The event is a milestone and chance for the organisation's leadership to meet and talk with supporters, Bible Society programme director Graeme Milne said.

The organisation was established in New Zealand in 1846 and 2021 marks the 175th anniversary, Milne said.

There are now 150 Bible Society groups worldwide, helping translate and distribute the book to millions, as well as advocating its place in modern society through the United Bible Societies group, he said. Read more

Mass readings are also delivered every day, thanks to a partnership with the Marist Messenger.

The site delivers inspirational stories through video and word from Catholics for whom the Bible is an important part of their faith. Among those sharing their thoughts are the Catholic Bishops.

New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference President, Bishop Patrick Dunn, says "Scripture is so much a part of my life I feel I would be pretty empty without this daily time spent reflecting on the Word of God."

Cardinal Dew says that the Scriptures keep him going even in difficult times, they comfort and motivate him. "The Scriptures have certainly changed me and are a focus for my life."

"The site is all about addressing some of the barriers people might have to reading the Bible, including some of the hard questions," Stephen Opie, Bible Society Programme Director says. "We want to help provide easy access to Sacred Scripture and provide Catholics with the tools and inspiration they need to make the Bible an important part of their daily life."

One of many features on the website is that of Catholic leaders answering timeless questions such as: "Can I find answers to life's questions in the Bible?"

One of the many contributors says in the video response, "I will find answers. It may not be the answer I wanted to hear, it might be something different. I read the Bible not just with my brain, but with my heart and with my faith. And when you use those three things together, then God will really reach out and give you answers."

The Word website has been developed by Bible Society New Zealand as a tool to help Catholics in their daily reading and reflection on the Holy Scriptures and is already drawing the attention of other Bible Societies around the world.

To date, 21 Bishops and Priests have been interviewed, and new videos and stories have been uploaded onto the site regularly.

Look at the website

Source

• Supplied: New Zealand Bible Society
• Image: lifeteen.com

"People come into my office, and many aren't religious, but they are all going through things", says the Principal Defence Force Chaplain Ants Hawes.

"I say to them, 'Look I know you are going through a hard time, things are absolutely bleak but I need to tell you - I have a verse from a favourite Psalm which says ‘tears come at night but laughter comes in the morning.' I want to assure you, as dark as it is now, better days will come."

It's amazing how often the Word of God will bring comfort, even to those who may not believe.

The Word of God is a truth and a strength and a hope for all of our chaplains, and will continue to be so" Hawes said.

Hawes said he would like to thank Bible Society New Zealand's partners. "We don't take for granted the people who gave donations to make these Bibles a reality.

"We will treasure these Bibles and use them," he said.

The Bibles were individually tailored to members of the NZDF, Airforce, Navy and Army.

Each of the three different editions of the NZDF Bible includes messages from the Governor General along with NZDF photographs, the National Anthem and the relevant prayer for each of the Forces.

Most of the Bibles will be given to new NZDF recruits who can choose to attest on the Bible at their swearing-in ceremony.

"They are then asked if they would like to keep the Bible," Hawes says.

"These Bibles will be used week by week and month by month, they will not sit and gather dust. The Word of God is our foundation, it really is.

"We stand on the truth of God and I am constantly using the Bible to minister to and support people."

Bible Society New Zealand has a long history - going back to WW1 - of supplying New Zealand Defence Force chaplains with Bibles.

Source

Supplied: New Zealand Bible Society

Acclaimed New Zealand Children's author Joy Cowley described it as "a lovely little book".

"It's warm, it's happy, it's the Good News!

"The positive message with the rhythmic text and lively illustrations make it a perfect book for young children. It's also good news for the child in adults like me," she said.

This Easter Bible Society is giving away 85,000 copies of The Seriously Surprising Story, the next booklet in their popular children's series.

Following on the tails of The Well Good News of Christmas and The Super Cool Story of Jesus, these three little books will have reached 285,000 kiwi kids nationwide by the middle of this year.

There they encounter a stranger and talk to him about events in Jerusalem. Just as the disciples were surprised, so children are too when they learn the stranger is Jesus himself!

The Seriously Surprising Story is available online . Individuals can order up to 5 copies at a time while churches can place bulk orders of up to 200 copies for their Easter activities. Copies of the book are also available at some Salvation Army Family Stores.

In addition, there is a poster and an animated version of the book, both available on the website. Other Bible Society Easter resources are also available.

Source

Supplied: New Zealand Bible Society

Neels takes over from Francis Burdett, who is retiring after nine years as Bible Society CEO.

The current General Manager of Manna Christian Stores, Neels has more than 18 year's experience in fostering operational efficiencies across the corporate, private and non-profit sectors.

He served as a Chief Operating Officer and Divisional Director at a number of different organisations in South Africa. More recently he worked as a senior manager at the ANZ Bank in New Zealand.

Neels joined Bible Society in January 2013 as Missions Delivery Manager before moving to Relationships Director, where he was responsible for all external stakeholder interaction and mission resource delivery.

Following Bible Society's acquisition of Manna Christian Stores in July 2017, he was appointed to the role of General Manager of Manna but also continued as a member of Bible Society's Leadership Team.

"Neels Janse van Rensburg is an accomplished senior management professional," commented James Coleman, BSNZ board Chair, "and we're delighted to have him take up this key position at Bible Society".

Neels also ministers as a co-pastor for an Auckland North Shore church and has been involved in Christian ministry for 27 years.

Neels obtained his Licentiate in Theology (LTH) in 2002 and Bachelors in Ministry in 2006. Originally from South Africa, Neels, along with his wife Jeanine and two daughters, came to live in New Zealand in November 2010.

Commenting on his new position Neels said, "I am looking forward to leading one of New Zealand's most established Christian charities into its next phase of development".

Source

• Supplied: The New Zealand Bible Society

BSNZ is hoping to reach these children by giving away 85,000 copies of The Well Good News of Christmas.

This book is part of Bible Society's Pass It On campaign designed to encourage and equip parents, grandparents and caregivers to pass on their passion for the Bible to the next generation.

The Well Good News of Christmas is written by Welsh author Dai Woolridge. The story is aimed at four to eight-year-olds using child-friendly rhyming language.

Last year, 3,000 copies of this little book were distributed.

"With The Well Good News of Christmas people have a fantastic opportunity to share the good news of Christmas with the children in their communities using a brilliant and funny book, said Stephen Opie, BSNZ Programme Director.

"It's a story that is still impacting and changing lives today."

While the book focuses on the events around Jesus' birth, it also includes a little about creation, and Jesus' life and ministry.

It is being offered free to churches, BSNZ partner organisations and anyone who wants to share the Bible story of Christmas.

Individuals can order up to five copies, while churches and organisations can order up to 250 copies.

Click here for more details and to place an order

Source
Supplied: Sarah Richards. New Zealand Bible Society

Bake for Bibles is a new fundraising initiative recently launched by Bible Society New Zealand where volunteers bake Noah's Ark animal cookies, ice them and sell them to friends and family.

Sophie says, "I think it's a really fun and accessible way to get the kids involved in a baking project.

"The animal theme is very relatable and Noah's Ark is a familiar and popular story, whether you've grown up in a household of faith or not.

"So you can invite the neighbours' kids in to help bake the cookies and tell the Noah's Ark story and talk about what's going to happen to the money being raised."

Sophie also believes Bake for Bibles is a great inter-generational activity for grandparents, aunts, uncles and Godparents.

She thinks they may have more patience than parents when icing gets sloshed around the kitchen by little children. "Instead they will just enjoy the moment and the connection."

This year every cookie sold at two dollars each provides the paper to print one Bible in China.

Click here to register to take part.

Participants are given a free Bake for Bibles pack which contains cookie cutters, a Noah's Ark presentation box, cookie packets, a booklet (including the recipe), a poster and a colouring-in sheet.

Talking about the fundraising aspect of Bake for Bibles, Sophie says, "Selling baking for money is a time-honoured tradition in the Western World - from bake-sales to cake-stalls."

A Christian since primary school, Sophie likes the idea of getting the Bible to people who need it. "I feel the Bible is almost a symbol of freedom.

"And the freedom to know God and explore faith isn't something that's accessible to everyone in the world."

Supplied: Bible Society New Zealand

This digitised version will be one of the many tools used to help produce a brand new translation, in more contemporary language for today's Te Reo Maori speakers.

"Translation of any significance takes time, and anecdotal evidence suggests that contemporary Maori usage is already considerably different from the language of the current Maori Bible," commented Dr Stephen Pattemore, the Bible Society's Translations Director.

"So we need to be pro-active."

A new mobile Paipera Tapu app is also currently in development and will feature the current Paipera Tapu text (2012) as well as English Bible translations.

It will be useful for people who want to read Te Reo Maori alongside an English text such as the Good News Bible.

The new app will be launched in early 2019.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of the first edition of Te Paipera Tapu.

While the first-ever Scriptures in Te Reo Maori were published in Sydney in 1827 by the New South Wales Bible Society, this was the first ever full Paipera Tapu.

But the journey of the Bible in Te Reo Maori didn't stop there.

This edition was followed by three further versions in 1889, 1925 and 1952, as well as a reformatted edition of the 1952 text which was published in 2012.

Then there was Taku Paipera, the only Maori Children's Bible storybook available, launched at the end of 2016.

Today Bible Society New Zealand has a number of Te Reo Maori resources available.

Their journey with Te Reo Maori continues in their mission of making the Bible accessible to everyone and encouraging interaction with it.

Source

Supplied: New Zealand Bible Society Nga Ringa Hapai i te Paipera Tapu ki Aotearoa

In addition, the Bible is key to your Christian growth, a primary way of connecting with God and it helps people live a Godly life, says Tak, who reads the Bible daily.

For him personally the Bible feeds his spirit and strenghtens his walk with God. "The Bible helps me know God and his ways," says Tak who is a supporter of Bible Month 2018.

Starting 1 July, Bible Month 2018, is a time to focus on the Bible and its centrality to your Christian faith/walk. BSNZ's key message is, the Bible really is good for life. The organisation has created a range of Good for Life tools, which help people engage with the Bible.

"The Bible is good not just for the tough times but for all of life," says BSNZ Programme Director Stephen Opie. "When you're lonely, broken or disappointed, the Bible should be there. And when you're joyful, content and at peace, the Bible should be there. The Bible needs to be in and through our day to day walk with God."

Bible Month tools include three compelling two-minute testimony videos of a Christian medical doctor, a young mum dealing with loss and a Kiwi soldier who served in Afghanistan. All three kiwis have been inspired to share about how the Bible has helped them in their lives.

In addition, there is an Essentials Bible Reading Challenge, sermon notes, wall posters and small group resources. Our latest publication, The Field Guide to the Bible already on its second-print run, helps young people make sense of what can sometimes be thought of as a complicated book.

For more information and to download free resources go to www.biblemonth.nz or just call us on 0800 424 253 for further details.

Supplied: The Bible Society

The project began in the 1990s when members of the Tokelaun expatriate community approached New Zealand's Bible Society about producing the Bible in their language.

The Tokelauan Society for the Translation of the Bible is an inter-church committee comprising principally the Congregational Church, and the Pacific Islands congregations of the Presbyterian Church together with some Catholic involvement.

The first translators were appointed in 1996, and two of them are still at work today - Ioane Teao and Loimata Iupati. Ioane Teao has been the one who's driven the project all the way.

The Bible Society's translation director Stephen Pattemore told RNZ's Dominic Godfrey that the Bible Society has been providing training and technical support since the project officially started.

The Tokelauan New Testament was launched in June 2009.

Pattemore says they have now translated all the books of the Protestant Canon of the Old Testament.

They have also translated several books of the Catholic Deuterocanon, but there is still a distance to go there. "What we would really like is some more involvement from Catholic translators," he says.

They are now working on both community level checking and consultant-checking to have the Old testament finalised for publication, hopefully next year.

Tokelau was evangelised by missionaries from Samoa over 150 years ago. The Samoan Bible has been used until now.

But it was decided very early on that they were not going to refer to Samoan as a source text, said Pattemore.

"This was going to be a new Tokelauan translation which found its way starting from an English base rather than constantly referring to the Samoan."

There are 1,400 Tokelauans living on the islands of Tokelau.

More than 7,000 Tokelauans live in New Zealand, with 50% living in Wellington.

There are also communities in Auckland, Taupo and Rotorua.

Ke manuia koutou i te Alofa o te Atua . "May you be blessed in God's love."

Source

• Supplied: Bible Society, Sarah Richards
• RNZ
• Image: Screen Shot Ministry for Pacific Peoples

It has been wonderful to see how many people have bought a Poverty and Justice Bible, which has meant that for every Bible bought another has been given away to someone who could not afford it. That, in turn, means that more and more people have had the opportunity to read, reflect and pray with words of Scripture, and it has given many people the opportunity to rediscover the freshness of the Gospel.

Pope Francis said in his letter Evangelli Caudium, "whenever we make the effort to return to the source and to recover the original freshness of the Gospel, new avenues arise, new paths of creativity open up, with different forms of expression, more eloquent signs and words with new meaning for today's world. Every form of authentic evangelization is always "new". EGII

Bible Societies around the world are helping people everywhere to discover the "freshness" and the "newness" of the Word of God. A deep love for the scriptures is unfolding in surprising ways. An incredible example is that in Cuba the demand for Bibles is so high that the Bible Society cannot supply enough!

Here in New Zealand, more than 8,000 Poverty and Justice Bibles have been distributed through the Buy One/Gift One campaign. That means that a very large number of people have discovered the Word of God in a whole new way, that Word has challenged them to care for the poor and vulnerable, the refugee and the migrant, the helpers and those with no hope. The mission of Bible Society to make God's Word known and loved is being met with enthusiasm and giving us energy. The word ENTHUSIASM means "to be filled with God" - many people are being filled with the goodness and love of God through the work of Bible Society.

Signed

Cardinal John Dew

Dew, who is the New Zealand president of the Bible Society, said he found the various reasons people identified as barriers to reading the Bible particularly interesting.

"Often those barriers are because people are too busy, get distracted or lack self- discipline.

"I wonder if it is not just ‘reading' the Bible, but encouraging people to read it reflectively, to pray with the words of the Scriptures, to hear the invitation ‘Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10)," Dew said.

"People would find doing this life-giving, inspiring, challenging, comforting and consoling. Our challenge is to inspire and assist one another to pray with the Word of God."

The survey was conducted by Nielsen in February 2017 through the SSI online survey panel. It was answered by 1,208 people over 13 years of age.

The results are weighted by age, gender and region to be representative of the New Zealand population.

The survey revealed the top barriers to Bible reading for Christians as: a lack of self discipline (28%); being distracted by other activities (26%); and being too busy (24%).

Respondents were asked what they thought the main message of the Bible is.

Aside from those that answered ‘Don't know', the strong impression from the general population is that the Bible points to the Golden Rule, "Do to others as you would have them do to you," (Luke 6:31). In fact, some young people quoted the verse directly from the Bible.

Another interesting research finding was nearly three out of five New Zealanders over 13 years old own a Bible and 7% read the Bible every day.

A further 5% read the Bible weekly. This means more than one in 10 New Zealanders over the age of 13 read the Bible every week.

Teenagers (13-18) are more likely than those aged 19-64 to read the Bible and attend church regularly. Those aged 19-24 are significantly different to all other age groups in many areas of the survey.

The research is part of Bible Society's Good for Life initiative which aims to encourage and equip Christians to read the Bible. Good for Life resources and information can be found on the Good for Life website www.goodforlife.nz . The survey can be ordered for free at, www.biblemonth.nz .

Source

• Supplied: New Zealand Bible Society
• Image: povertyandjustice.nz

Meesh's art style means the pencil never leaves the page and actually dovetails in with the overall message of the Bible. "One line, one thread, from the beginning of the Bible until the end, it's all one story.

Each illustration is made with one continuous line, which then joins with the next illustration, and the next, representing the one story than runs through the Bible from beginning to end," she explained.

For the Wellington illustrator and mum, the project is a dream come true. "God gave me the heart to draw and I have been drawing non-stop since I was a child."

Meesh's passion for illustrating goes back to her childhood love for the Bible. "The Bible is a precious gift that gives us insight into the great story of God's love revealed throughout time.

Reading Bible stories shows us how other people, just like us, live out their lives in faith, sometimes in failure, and the wondrous things that happen when we follow God.

"Drawing Bible stories brought me back to when, as a child, I used to wonder at the beautiful illustrations in Bible story books. Remembering those days helped me think of how I wanted to illustrate each story," she said.

The Big Little Bible App and now hardcover book has been designed to help parents engage their children with the Bible.

Aimed at 8-10 year olds, The Big Little Bible includes 30 Bible stories taken straight from the Contemporary English Version translation and seeks to bridge the gap from paraphrased Bible stories to independent real text Bible reading.

It features 100 of Meesh's illustrations using a unique 'one line' art technique called contour drawing. To date, there have been more than 800 downloads of the free app in New Zealand.

Following the app's success, Bible Society published The Big Little Bible in a hardback format and will give away 2,000 copies to families that may not be able to afford one. The book is also available for purchase.

The Big Little Bible book is $19.99 and can be ordered directly from Bible Society via email orders@biblesociety.org.nz or by phoning 0800 0800 424 253. The mobile app is free to download on the Apple and Google Play stores.

Source

Supplied

Following a Powhiri by students at Middle School West Auckland's Bilingual Unit, and an unveiling, Taku Paipera, were gifted to the 25 students.

Born and bred te Reo speaker Matt Hakiaha, who spoke at the Auckland proceedings, described as a "wonderful present."

Mr Hakiaha, a Kaumatua (respected elder) and on Laidlaw College's Maori Advisory Council said, " Taku Paipera is done in a language that belongs to us, it's a language that reveals our identity and it's a language that is the heartbeat of our culture."

"For Maori children, it's their language put to print, the stories of the Bible from thousands of years are now conveyed in their sacred language. It will help build their self-esteem and pride."

"This Bible will lead to the preservation of te Reo and the continuity of te Reo and also the use and continuance of a traditional language to a modern language."

"I've personally wanted this for 30 years, because growing up as a child in a Christian home, there was only an adult Bible."

Alex Hawea, Community and Whanua Support Manager at the school said, "Taku Paipera is brilliant." A dad to a 9, 7 and 2 year old, he commented, "It will be a lot easier to read these Bible stories to my kids without having to translate them back into Maori."

As part of the formal Maori welcome, Mr Hakiaha read one of his favourite Bible stories, the feeding of the 5,000, with smoked fish and bread specially brought in for the students.

"No matter what race or nationality you are, food is important to every culture. To Jesus food is important, there are no barriers with food. It was important to Jesus to see people were feed."

Mr Hakiaha said he was particularly impressed with the use of colour in the Bible, the clear layout, short sentences, paraphrasing and macrons. "The first thing I thought when I saw the Bible was how vibrant and colourful the pictures were and how this made it easy to read and contemporary."

Taku Paipera is available at Bible Society New Zealand $16.99 a copy. To order go to www.biblesociety.org.nz/shop or telephone 0800 424 253

Source

Supplied

Cardinal Dew will be attending the closing Mass for the Jubilee Year of Mercy which will be celebrated by Pope Francis, and will have with him a special book containing the names of those who have taken part in Bible Society's Poverty and Justice Bible campaign.

This is the second time Cardinal Dew has personally prayed for Kiwis in Rome. Last year he prayed specifically for those who had requested prayer at his titular church - Sant'Ippolito, where he is Cardinal-Priest.

BSNZ has been collecting names and prayer requests throughout 2016. And there is still time to participate. To submit a prayer request for Cardinal John Dew please visit www.povertyandjustice.nz and fill out the form.

Supplied

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

"We love it," was the resounding comment from kids at the Hope Centre Lower Hutt (pictured), who recently trialled The Aetherlight: Chronicles of the Resistance.

The Bible Society is partnering with Scarlet City to help families and churches connect the story kids encounter in the world of Aethasia to the real story of the Bible.

By connecting game players to the big story of the Bible, The Aetherlight brings a significant opportunity to help pre-teens understand the Bible's relevance in their lives," said Stephen Opie, Bible Society Programme Director.

Scarlet City Studios is a small New Zealand-based gaming studio with a mission to take the Bible and re-tell it for a digital generation.

The game tells a tale paralleling the story of the Bible, reimagining the Bible story as a 'steampunk' allegory taking characters and stories from the Bible and putting a fresh face on them to connect with kids.

Episodes are released every few months (episode two, The Resistance Takes Flight was released in July this year).

The game comes with its own companion Bible, which has just been released in the USA and New Zealand.

The New Living Translation includes two unique codes to unlock exclusive game items.

The Aetherlight is available on PC and Macs, as well as Apple and Android mobile devices. Visit www.theaetherlight.com for full details or download the game from the app stores.

The Aetherlight companion Bible is also now available from Bible Society New Zealand at $24.99 email: orders@Biblesociety.org.nz or telephone 0800 424 253.

Source

• Supplied

Catholic churches around the nation have supported the Bible Society's Poverty and Justice Buy One / Gift One campaign.

In many cases parishes have been working with organisations such as Apostleship of the Sea, St Vincent De Paul and Mary Potter Hospice to distribute the complimentary Bibles.

And as more and more churches agree to run a Poverty and Justice campaign throughout 2016 it is expected more Bibles will be given away to families who cannot afford to purchase one.

"Churches are welcoming this campaign," said Neels Janse van Rensburg, the Bible Society Relationships Director who is responsible to overseeing this campaign.

"The parish priests in particular are excited about the special New Zealand edition of the Poverty and Justice Bible.

They are very aware of the impact this Bible has, it is like a silent witness programme. People can become missionaries by just supporting the campaign and gifting a Bible.

In this way they're enabling the parish to be missional," he continued.

Msgr Bernard Kiely, St Patrick's Cathedral in Auckland said, "For us priests and pastors the idea of gifting a Bible to a needy parishioner or a person of another faith or a non-believer enables us not only to share our faith but to honour and acknowledge others with such a special gift.

"The Poverty and Justice Bible enables us to be in union with Pope Francis who urges the world to care for the poor in this Jubilee Year of Mercy," he said.

Another campaign highlight is the offer of prayer from Cardinal John Dew, President of Bible Society New Zealand.

He is again praying for campaign participants at his Rome church, Sant'Ippolito later in the year.

Poverty and Justice supporters can submit their names and prayer requests on the website for inclusion in the special prayer book Bible Society will prepare.

For further details about Bible Society's Poverty and Justice campaign visit http://www.povertyandjustice.nz/

Source

• Supplied
• Image: povertyandjustice.nz

Cardinal John Dew, who is the President of Bible Society New Zealand (BSNZ), will offer prayers for those who have participated in the Poverty and Justice Bible Campaign at his church at the end of November. Their names will be recorded in a special book Bible Society of New Zealand (BSNZ) is preparing for him.

If you would like your name and prayer request added to the book for Cardinal Dew, please visit www.povertyandjustice.nz

Along with his appointment as Cardinal by Pope Francis earlier this year, he was appointed Cardinal-Priest at Sant'Ippolito Church in Rome. It is here that Cardinal Dew has agreed to pray for people who have asked to be remembered.

"It would be a blessing for me to be able to connect Catholics in New Zealand with this very special church in Rome," he said.

Sant'Ippolito is a 20th century parish and titular church, meaning it has a Cardinal appointed to oversee it, and it is situated in the Nomentano quarter of Rome.

Wellingtonian Bridget Taumoepeau, who has submitted a prayer request, said the initiative would be very unifying.

"Cardinal Dew as our shepherd, is taking our prayers to Rome to his especially designated church. There is a lovely image of the people of New Zealand being united in prayer through our Archbishop with the universal church."

"There is also the link of our Cardinal to our Holy Father who appointed him and called him to Rome to contribute to the Synod."

Prayer in Rome is part of the recently launched Poverty and Justice Bible Campaign, a joint initiative of BSNZ and Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. The campaign was introduced to Catholic churches nationwide last month.

At its heart is the Catholic Poverty and Justice Bible.

Each Bible purchased will fund another copy that will be given for free to a person who can't afford one.

To date more than 700 Bibles have been purchased, enabling another 700 ready to be given away. BSNZ anticipates the numbers will be significantly higher than this as the campaign continues.

Bible Society New Zealand's mission is to help create "easy access to Sacred Scripture", as called for in Dei Verbum, and to enable greater engagement with it.

Source

Supplied: New Zealand Bible Society

Image: New Zealand Bible Society