Who are We?

Bible Society NSW came into being through an Act of the NSW Parliament in 1817, following the forming of the British and Foreign Bible Society in London in 1804. Bible Society NSW was the first auxiliary branch in the Pacific of the Bible Society. Our charter was signed by Governor Lachlan Macquarie.(Click here to read about the history of the forming of the Society in London.)

The London Society was formed with the support of William Wilberforce. In William Wilberforce's diary, his account of April 21, 1803, states:

"A few of us met together at Mr Hardcastle's counting house, at a later hour than suited city habits out of regard for my convenience, and yet on so dark a morning that we discussed by candle-light, while we resolved upon the establishment of the Bible Society."

Originally sought out for counsel and advice as an influential Christian leader, Wilberforce joined those whose aim it was to form an organisation dedicated to printing and distributing the Bible -- in foreign languages as well as English -- to readers who would otherwise go without.    Along with other Christian anti-slavery advocates and social reformers such as Granville Sharp and Zachary Macaulay, Wilberforce believed in making the Bible available across society including to the poor.

In a letter written on May 1, 1804, he said "The Scriptures, prayer, with humble reliance on our Redeemer and on the aids of His promised Spirit -- these are the sure means of progress."

The next day, he spoke at the first General Meeting of the Bible Society.   He is listed as one of the first Committee members appointed that day and in July of the following year (1805) he was appointed a Vice-President of the Bible Society. 

The Bible Society became the largest of the 8 great societies inspired and organised by evangelical Christians associated with the Clapham era and reform movements.

Since its beginnings, Bible Society has played a leading role in supplying Scriptures to churches, groups, individuals and communities both within Australia and beyond. Bible Society is an organisation skilled in translation (especially in Aboriginal and Pacific Island languages) production, printing and distribution of Scriptures in Australia and beyond. More

We also run a CBD bookshop
at 213 Clarence Street, Sydney.
More




Worldwide fellowship
Bible Society NSW is part of the worldwide fellowship of the United Bible Societies. There are currently 135 Bible Societies working in over 200 countries in the world. (Click for map). On average around the world 1,498,312 items of Scripture are distributed by the Bible Societies each day. The Bible Societies seek to carry out their task in partnership and cooperation with all Christian churches and with church-related organisations.