Joint Bible Campaign Promotes Social Justice

During  Social Justice Week (Sept 13-19), Bible Society New Zealand, in partnership with Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand,  launched its new Poverty and Justice Bible campaign in Catholic churches throughout the country.

This Catholic NRSV Bible includes more than 3,500 verses highlighting references to  poverty and justice, helping people understand the call of Pope Francis to “give a voice to the cry of the poor.” This practical Bible enables  readers to better understand the scriptural basis of the Church’s teaching on poverty and justice.

The Bible has been granted the Imprimatur of Cardinal John Dew, president of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. The President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Cardinal Peter Turkson has also endorsed this unique campaign.  “The Catholic Church wishes to encourage all Catholics, and indeed all who profess the biblical faith, to be mindful of the injustices and inequities that exist in the world today,” he said.

A  practical aspect of the campaign is the buy one/gift one option which enables another Bible to be automatically gifted to someone in need when one Bible is purchased. There is also an invitation to join a Poverty and Justice Prayer Task Force.

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.

Daniel Harrison presents copies of the Poverty and Justice Bible to members from Challenge 2000