May 12, 2026
Declaration for Future Christian Generations from the United Bible Societies global Fellowship on the occasion of its 80th anniversary
We, the United Bible Societies Fellowship of 156 Bible Societies, united in our calling to serve the global Church and all who seek the Bible, issue this Declaration for Future Christian Generations.
Our calling is rooted in the shared vision entrusted to us that everyone, everywhere, may have access to the Scriptures and the opportunity to encounter the Word of God.
Affirming our unity and our interconfessional service, we offer this Declaration in the spirit of service to the churches, communities, and individuals of goodwill. We commit ourselves to the flourishing of future Christian generations, and we call on the global Church, Christian communities, and all people of goodwill to join us in this purpose.
1. A Vision for Future Generations
We long for all people to have access to the Scriptures in languages they understand, in formats they can access and afford, and in forms they can cherish.
We envisage a world where children, young people, and adults alike have the opportunity for meaningful engagement with the Bible and the freedom to explore faith with dignity and hope. We believe that the Bible is a living word for every generation, speaking into the deepest hopes, confronting fears, and guiding the search for meaning.
We dream of a global Christian community that is vibrant, diverse, united in love, rooted in Scripture, and committed to justice, compassion, and truth.
We desire that all people be equipped to respond wisely to the challenges of their time and empowered to contribute to the flourishing of their societies.
2. What the Emerging Global Landscape Reveals
Across cultures and continents, a quiet transformation is unfolding.
Many young people, even in places long regarded as secular or spiritually disengaged, are seeking deeper meaning, a sense of belonging, and guidance. Congregations across regions are becoming younger, more ethnically and socially diverse, and more engaged as new worshippers arrive seeking meaning, belonging, and direction.
Within Christian communities, there is a renewed desire not only to read the Bible, but to understand it; not only to possess it, but to live by it; not only to inherit faith, but to make it their own.
At the same time, today’s world is marked by profound conflict, uncertainty, and moral confusion. Many young people describe feeling unanchored, overwhelmed by crisis, and unsure where to turn for direction. Yet this turbulence has awakened a spiritual curiosity. From deeply religious societies to highly secular ones, people are increasingly open to exploring the Bible or engaging with Christian communities when invited.
Across this diverse landscape, a common truth emerges: younger generations are seeking a compass, a trustworthy foundation upon which to build their lives.
We believe the Bible offers precisely this: an anchor of enduring values, a source of unchanging hope, and a narrative that speaks into the deepest questions of the human search for truth, belonging, justice and peace. The Bible connects people to God through Jesus, the Word of God incarnate.
Biblical wisdom invites courage in times of conflict, clarity amid confusion, and compassion in an age longing for justice and peace.
3. Our Commitments for Future Generations
In light of this vision and social landscape, we, the global Fellowship of United Bible Societies, commit ourselves:
- To seek God’s guidance through Scripture and prayer, depending on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, unity, creativity and effectiveness in all we undertake.
- To make the Bible available to all in languages and formats that meet people where they are, ensuring access regardless of geography, literacy, or social and economic circumstances.
- To foster Bible engagement, encouraging reflection, discipleship, and community practices that nurture lifelong encounters with God.
- To honour cultural and contextual diversity of the local realities, through translations in a variety of formats, including digital, audio, sign language, and for people with visual disabilities.
- To serve churches, equipping and supporting them in their God-given mission, ensuring that our interconfessional ministry enables them to help people encounter the Bible richly.
- To respond to human need through holistic ministry, joining Bible engagement with acts of compassion, healing, and justice in the footsteps of Jesus.
- To seek God’s guidance through Scripture and prayer, depending on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, unity, creativity and effectiveness in all we undertake.
4. A Call to the Global Christian Community
We invite churches, ministries, and Christian partners around the world to join us in ensuring that future generations are rooted in Scripture and equipped to face a complex world with faith and maturity.
We encourage collaboration, creativity, and shared commitment to make the Bible accessible and meaningful in every context.
We affirm that Scripture belongs to the whole Church and it is the foundation for justice, love, unity, discipleship and mission. Together, we can ensure that every person has the opportunity to encounter the Word of God and be transformed by it.
5. Our Hope for the Generations to Come
We pray and work for a future where new generations:
- engage with the Scriptures as a source of identity, wisdom, and hope;
- inherit a Church that is vibrant, diverse, and rooted in love;
- participate in God’s mission with courage, compassion and joy;
- belong to a global community united across cultures and traditions;
- engage their societies with courage, faith, and a commitment to justice.
With humility and confidence in God’s faithfulness, we, a global Fellowship of 156 Bible Societies, dedicate ourselves anew to the vision entrusted to us: the Bible for everyone, now and for generations yet to come.
