July 3, 2024
3 July 2024, Paris, France – There are just 23 days remaining until the world’s attention will turn to France as the city of Paris will host the highly anticipated Olympic Games. Beyond the realms of athletic competition, various Christian sports movements are collaborating with the French Bible Society to share the Bible’s message of hope, unity, and inspiration.
At the heart of this collaboration is a notable initiative – the creation and distribution of a special edition of the New Testament.
This unique edition will feature sixteen testimonies from Olympic and Paralympic athletes who draw inspiration from their Biblical faith. Among the distinguished champions contributing to this project are Joël Abati, a French handball champion, and Nicola Olyslagers, an Australian high jumper, representing different Christian faith traditions.
The title of this special edition – “More Precious than Gold”- is inspired by the verses from 1 Peter: “Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honour on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed,” (1 Peter 1:7).
As the countdown to the Paris Olympics 2024 has started, the excitement is building not only for the athletic excellence which will be on display but also for the impactful messages that will be shared through this special edition of the New Testament.
The ambitious goal set for this project is to print and distribute 140,000 copies of the New Testament in French and 60,000 in English. The free copies will be distributed by teams from various associations and churches, actively spreading a message of hope during the Paris Games.
Originally planning for 100,000 copies in French and 30,000 in English, the organizers had to revise the figures upward due to overwhelming demand. The distribution phase will extend to September 2024, after the Paralympic Games finish, and will be facilitated by on-the-ground teams from various associations and churches.
“It is so inspiring to read the athletes’ testimonies featured in this special edition of the New Testament. These accounts serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact the Bible continues to have in our contemporary world. Moreover, they underscore the vital role that each country’s Bible Society plays in ensuring the accessibility and relevance of this timeless book for all,” declared Jonathan Boulet, General Secretary of the French Bible Society.
Several esteemed partners are actively involved in supporting this project. The Holy Games program, initiated by the Catholic Church, is mobilizing to support the world of sport, especially during the Paris Games. The Protestant chaplaincy, established by the Protestant Federation of France (FPF), has created a commission to coordinate their involvement in the Paris Games. Additionally, Go+ France, an association formed by evangelical leaders and associations, seeks to unite people around a shared passion for sport, leisure, and fitness.
As the world turns its attention to France, the Paris Games 2024 presents a unique opportunity to amplify messages of hope, unity, and inspiration. The New Testament project, supported by diverse Christian denominations and organizations, stands as a beacon of the power of collaboration and the shared values that bring people together, transcending the boundaries of sport and spirituality.
The convergence of faith and sport at the Paris Olympics promises to be a powerful and inspiring moment, leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the athletic arenas.
CONTACT
UBS Communications
PH: +44 7389 882143
E: communications@biblesocieties.org
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NOTES TO THE EDITOR
About UBS Fellowship
United Bible Societies (UBS) was formed amidst a meeting of independent Bible Societies in 1946 and therefore, these global meetings have historical significance in the life of the Fellowship.
UBS is a fellowship of 155 Bible Societies that works with all major church traditions in more than 240 countries and territories. UBS is a worldwide network of Bible Societies seeking to make sure that everyone who wants to can access and engage with the Bible.
Each Bible Society within the Fellowship undertakes projects within their homeland, being supported by a global team which ensures Bible Societies are able to better collaborate, fund, and resource each other.
A video profiling the history of UBS can be accessed here.
French Bible Society
The French Bible Society, known as “l’Alliance biblique française” in French, is an organization dedicated to the translation, distribution, and promotion of the Bible in the French language. Founded in 1818, the society has a rich history of working with all Christian faiths, towards making the Bible accessible to French-speaking communities worldwide.
In addition to translation efforts, the French Bible Society is involved in various initiatives to distribute Bibles and promote biblical literacy. This includes collaborating with churches, educational institutions, and other organizations to encourage the study and understanding of the Bible.
