CBE MEMO IN RESPONSE TO THE IBS DECISION

Below is a copy of a memo sent from Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) to its members concerning the decision by IBS not to release an inclusive language NIV in the United States and to attempt to withdraw the edition from the British market.
 

 
To: CBE Members

From: Catherine Clark Kroeger

Date: June 23, 1997

We want you to know that the International Bible Society (IBS), the copyright owner of the NIV, is attempting to withdraw the inclusive language edition of the NIV from the British market. The IBS has also halted revision of the North American NIV, a revision that was expected to use inclusive language, and will not allow the American publisher of the inclusive language simplified NIV (NIrV) to print any more of that edition.

The CBE staff and board of directors are shocked. We've prayed, we've written letters, we've encouraged others to write. We press to communicate the need for a translation of the Bible for the whole church. This is not a gender issue but one of linguistic accuracy. The translation of the Bible must be free from the pressure of special interests.

We're convinced that CBE is needed more than ever, but we can't do it alone.

We are asking CBE members to first pray for God's guidance and intervention. We are suggesting CBE members write letters too! And, we would like you to consider a special contribution so CBE can communicate the need for Faithful translation of God's Word into contemporary English that is accurate, clear, and easily understood by today's reader.

Discussion of this issue is planned at CBE's 1997 International Conference, July 31 - August 3 at Bethel College in St. Paul. We hope you're planning to participate. If you cannot be there, please consider contributing to the scholarship fund so others can attend.

Thank you for standing with us during this crisis.

In God who is faithful,

Catherine Clark Kroeger
CBE President Emerita