Who we are
[Our Mission]
Bible Society Australia exists to impact and influence the world by Opening The Bible to all people everywhere through all means possible.
[Our Vision]
We do this to see a world where Bible access and engagement flow like a river, transforming lives with God’s grace through Jesus.
[Our Values]
As a team we work with the Bible at our centre, with integrity, with excellence, in unity, and with innovation.
Where We Are Working
In the last financial year, Bible Society Australia has supported Bible mission in 33 countries, working with 22 local Bible Societies and 5 other Christian mission partners, with a broad global reach which is also impacting lives personally.
Bible Society Australia belongs to the United Bible Societies, a fellowship of around 150 Bible Societies working in more than 240 countries and territories.
A message from us
Dear friends,
We are pleased to share Bible Society Australia’s Annual Impact Report for 2023-2024, highlighting the global impact we’ve achieved together. As you read through this report, you’ll also see how great the need is around the world for God’s word to be opened to all people, everywhere. Together, we are accomplishing this great mission!
In the past year, we have collaborated within the global United Bible Societies fellowship and also in our region, Oceania. Together with our partners, we supported 53 projects across 33 countries, facilitating Bible access and engagement for thousands. We’ve translated, published, and distributed Bibles to those longing for God’s word. Our projects have seen the Bible opened for people in ways that meet their deepest needs: through literacy education, trauma healing, or holistic support.
We are eternally grateful for your support — donors, church partners, and faithful volunteers — making it possible for all people everywhere to access the Bible and engage with God’s grace in Jesus.
Yours in Christ,
Bible Society Australia Team
Read the complete report or view highlights below.
BIBLE ACCESS FOR REMOTE AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
NEED
43.8% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live in regional areas. 21.4% live in remote or very remote areas, making access to the Bible difficult.
Of the 120 Indigenous languages spoken today, only: 1 language has a full Bible; 15 languages have New Testaments; 22 have one book of the Bible; 20 have some Scripture.
MEETING THE NEED
3,269 Bibles, 683 Scriptures in Indigenous Languages and 1,553 Scripture tracts in Indigenous languages were distributed free to remote communities in NT, QLD, WA, NSW and SA through BSA’s Remote and Indigenous Ministry Support Grant.
Bible Society Australia has 27 active translation projects and 100+ potential translation projects. The Pitjantjatjara Old Testament Translation is 55% complete, and in Noongar, the Gospel of Matthew is 60% complete, as well as Luke, Ruth and 4 portions of Scripture which have been drafted.
“We need Bibles and Scripture resources for the whole Indigenous Community. Mature believers, new believers, children, youth and adults — all of the people need Bible studies, daily Bible devotions, and Sunday School resources. [So] the resources have been devoured by people here ...”
— Sally Hawkins, Pioneers Australia, Milingimbi (an island community just off the North-East coast of Arnhem Land)
BIBLE SOCIETIES OCEANIA
BIBLE SOCIETIES OCEANIA
Bible Societies Oceania (BSO) is a partnership between Bible Society Australia, Bible Society South Pacific and Bible Society Papua New Guinea. BSO shares an aligned mission, the same vision, and the same commitment for Bible access and engagement for all people. BSO serves 19 countries across the region.
NEED
There are 800+ languages spoken in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and 306 languages with no Scripture. There are 400+ languages with some Scriptures translated, but with high needs for Scripture engagement resources.
In the South Pacific, there are 290 languages across the 16 Island Nations, with only 79 active Bible translation projects. Many languages have no Scripture translation, and all need Bible engagement resources.
MEETING THE NEED
In the last financial year, Bible Society Australia, through Bible Societies Oceania, supported 6 Bible translation projects working in 23 languages which will reach 7.9 million+ people in the South Pacific and PNG.
WORLD LANGUAGES AND BIBLE ACCESS
NEED
1.46 billion people still have no access to the Bible in their heart language
MEETING THE NEED
BSA is supporting Bible translation projects in 9 countries and 25 languages, including contemporary Bible translations for languages which have evolved, giving younger generations access to God’s word. The Tok Pisin Bible for PNG is 70% complete, while the Mongolian Contemporary translation is now 87% complete.
”The Bible is my source of strength and comfort. It teaches me how to live as a Christian in a hostile environment. It reminds me of God’s promises and presence with me. It gives me hope for the future. I pray that many Eastern Cham people will have access to God’s word in their mother tongue. I pray that they will read it, understand it, believe it, and obey it. I pray that they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.”
— Hung*, (a 45-year-old Eastern Cham man )
LITERACY AND BIBLE ACCESS
NEED
13.4% of the world’s population cannot read and write. 67% of these non-literate adults are women.
MEETING THE NEED
BSA is supporting Bible-based literacy projects in 16 countries. In countries where illiteracy is high for women, in 2024 Bible Society Australia has supported the literacy education of: 1,480 women in Bangladesh, 2,977 women in Burkina Faso, and 3,740 women in Pakistan. This impacts their families, their livelihood, and their access to the Bible.
”The first day I learned to read a letter of the alphabet, I was filled with great joy... Later, I learned to write my own name. This was a great achievement for me. Afterwards, the facilitator taught us to read simple and short verses. It was [a pinnacle moment] for me who was eager to read the Bible ...When I couldn't read or write, I was ashamed of myself ... Now I am happy and proud of myself ... Everything I learn will help me improve my married life, my daughter's education and my spiritual life. I plan to share this knowledge with those around me for our living environment. When I see the facilitator teaching, I want to become like her in order to share my knowledge with others.”
— Mira Gou*, Burkina Faso
*Names changed to protect privacy.
WATCH OUR SHORT VIDEO SUMMARISING THE 2024 IMPACT REPORT
READ IMPACT REPORT
