Established in Sydney in 1817, they have always been closely tied to the leadership of the nation, with governors, business leaders and senior clergy featuring in the Society’s history.

Bible Society Australia’s activities take place as part of the United Bible Societies, a global network operating across 200 countries and territories. They are one of the most extensive mission groups in the world and do their work in partnership with churches, providing resources and Bible-focused campaigns and community programmes.

In return, they enjoy the support of churches across all denominations and partner with other organisations in areas of publishing, literacy development (such as UNESCO) and youth Bible engagement.

Early in the life of Australia, passionate community leaders like Lady Macquarie created the Bible Society. They knew it wasn’t just government that could build a nation. It would need people of hope, people who live light.

Today, they are Australia’s longest-living organisation. Over the last 200 years, the Bible has done Australia a lot of good. And there’s a lot more good it will do yet. So they are creating new ways to advocate for the Bible, to promote it, and offer people new ways to engage with it.

Over the last 200 years, the Bible has done Australia a lot of good:

Belief in human dignity: The Bible is a foundation to their human rights and their legal system

A passion for community service: Bible readers are more likely to volunteer to help others.

Their great charities: Of the 30 largest charities in Australia, 26 are faith-based.

The values they cherish: The most common ANZAC statement is “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” It’s a Bible verse that captures their national vision for humility, sacrifice and friendship between equals.

A vision of eternity: If there is one Bible word all Australians would recognise, it’s eternity. It’s the message of God’s love for them in Jesus Christ, a love that will last forever.