NEW YORK
- June 24 - Contrary
to a June 11 news release issued by the International Bible Society (IBS)
and Zondervan, the Forum of Bible Agencies (FBA) today announced it has neither
approved nor disapproved Today's New International Version (TNIV) of
the Bible.
In addition, the FBA emphasized it has never endorsed the TNIV, as strongly
implied in the release issued by Forum member IBS in conjunction with Zondervan.
Other Forum members are aggrieved by the release because of the confusion
it has generated among their constituents, as it is not the policy of the
FBA to approve, endorse or support members' translations.
The Forum has adopted basic "principles and procedures for Bible translation."
This set of guidelines for best practice translation is mutually agreed upon
and accepted by all members.
Forum Members include: The Bible League, Book of Hope International, Evangel
Bible Translators, Hosanna Ministries, Institute of Bible Translation, International
Bible Society, The Jesus Film Project, Lutheran Bible Translators, New Tribes
Mission, Open Doors International, Pioneer Bible Translators, Scripture Gift
Mission, Scripture Union International, SIL International, SIM International,
Trans World Radio, United Bible Societies, World Bible Translation Center,
and Wycliffe Bible Translators International.
The Forum of Bible Agencies is a collaborative venture and voluntary association
of the principal international Bible translation and distribution agencies.
The Forum meets annually for fellowship, mutual encouragement, and the sharing
of news of each other's activities and plans. The group also formulates strategic
thinking, develops cooperative projects and discusses matters of mutual interest.
The Forum will issue a more detailed statement next week.