March 10, 2025
March is once again a time to celebrate the Bible in France as the nation marks Bible Month 2025. Organized by the French Bible Society in partnership with the Syndicate of Religious Literature Booksellers (SLLR), this annual event brings the Scriptures to the public’s attention. With the participation of over 200 bookstores, churches, and individuals, Bible Month is a national initiative dedicated to making the Bible more widely known and accessible.
The theme for Bible Month 2025 is “The Bible, Source of Hope” – a timely and inspiring focus for a world in need of encouragement. This theme resonates deeply with the Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis, which also centres on hope. The key verse for this year is Romans 15:4:
“Whatever Scripture we find in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the comfort it brings, we might have hope.”
This verse will feature prominently throughout the event, including on materials such as bookmarks and posters distributed to bookstores and churches.
Engaging Communities with the Word of God
Each year, Bible Month provides a unique opportunity for people across France to engage with the Scriptures in new and meaningful ways. Bookstores play a central role in the event, displaying special Bible-themed windows, setting up dedicated tables featuring various Bible editions and translations, and hosting conferences, workshops, and discussions on biblical topics. The French Bible Society supports these efforts by supplying thousands of free materials, including 700 posters, 20,000 bookmarks, and 17,000 brochures.
A new feature in 2025 is the introduction of 15,000 Bible-themed colouring cards, designed to encourage younger audiences to explore the Scriptures through creative expression. Additionally, the event organizers invited the public to reflect on the theme of hope by answering the question: “How is the Bible a source of hope for you?” Selected responses are being shared on the official Bible Month website, alongside various resources to help individuals and groups delve deeper into the theme.
A Growing Movement
Since its launch in 2018, Bible Month has steadily grown in reach and impact. Nicolas Fouquet, General Secretary of the French Bible Society, emphasizes that while France is a secular country, there remains a strong interest in spiritual matters. Many people, he notes, are searching for meaning, and the Bible continues to be a relevant and powerful source of wisdom and inspiration.
By partnering with bookstores, Bible Month encourages people to visit these stores, engage in conversations about the Scriptures, and receive personalized guidance on choosing a Bible. This initiative is particularly valuable in a time when digital distractions are abundant, offering people an opportunity to slow down and explore the Bible thoughtfully and interactively.
Strengthening Partnerships for the Future
Looking ahead, the French Bible Society aims to expand the reach of Bible Month even further. One of the key goals is to deepen collaboration with churches, encouraging them to organize more events and discussions that bring communities together around the Scriptures.
“We believe that the more bookstores and churches get involved, the greater the impact of Bible Month will be,” Fouquet says. “We want to help more people discover the richness of the Bible. Everyone can be a participant in this movement.”
Through initiatives like Bible Month, the French Bible Society remains committed to its mission of making the Bible known to as many people as possible, allowing them to encounter its message of hope for themselves.
For more information and resources on the French Bible Society’s Bible Month, click here.
