Welcome to Bible Society Australia
Bible Society Australia exists to help people in Australia and around the world engage with the Bible, by making it accessible to all.
The need for God’s Word remains urgent. Today, 1 in 5 people still wait for the Bible in their heart language, and 129 million have no Scripture at all. Only about 11% of the world’s languages have a full Bible, and 45% of languages have no Scripture at all (ProgressBible, Nov 2025).
Beyond language, barriers like poverty, displacement, and illiteracy keep millions from engaging with God’s Word. Over 123 million people are forcibly displaced from their homes, and 13.7% of adults globally cannot read. Two-thirds of these are women.
There is a great opportunity for Bible mission. Research shows 240 million non-Christians worldwide want to learn more about the Bible, and 70% of people globally believe it’s good for children to know Bible stories (Patmos World Bible Attitudes
Survey, 2025). This is why Bible Society Australia is committed to making the Bible accessible to all people, working alongside mission partners in Bible translation, distribution and Bible-based support such as literacy and trauma healing courses.
In all we do, Bible Society Australia aims to Open The Bible with all people, everywhere. We invite you to join us in this transformative work, so that lives may be changed as people encounter the wisdom, beauty, and love of God through his Word.
We hope that the projects outlined in this Impact Guide will bring you a sense of hope and purpose, as we seek to meet these needs with our partners around the world.
Bible Society Australia Team
The Heart of Our Mission
Bible Society Australia aims to Open The Bible with all people, everywhere, through translation, distribution and Bible-based support.
We do this to see a world where the Bible is available and accessible to all, and lives are transformed as people encounter and explore God’s Word.
Founded in 1817, we’ve been trusted for over 200 years to make the Bible accessible, and today, that mission remains strong and sure. As part of a global fellowship of around 150 Bible Societies, we are working together to make the Bible accessible to people in over 200 nations.
We are Scripture-led, access-focused and impact-driven. Every project we support — whether in translation, distribution, literacy programs or trauma healing courses — removes barriers to Bible access, so people can encounter the transformative message of God’s Word, resulting in changed lives and communities.
We want to welcome you as you join us in this mission!
Impact at a Glance
In 2024–2025, we worked with our partners to Open The Bible through translation, distribution, literacy and trauma healing.
From refugee camps to remote communities, the Bible is bringing hope, healing and transformation. Our impact is measured not just in numbers, but in lives changed by the power of God’s Word.
65 Bible projects supported in 39 countries and territories
28+ Languages in translation
1,000,000+
Scriptures distributed globally
80,000+
Bible-based literacy students
16,000+ Literacy graduates
Where Are We Working in 2026?
Countries and Territories
At Home
In Australia, we are working to ensure that the Bible is accessible to all people so all can experience God’s life-giving message.
Bibles for Indigenous Australians
Bible access is difficult for the 43.8% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live in regional areas and 21.4% who live in remote or very remote areas. Furthermore, although 120 Indigenous Australian languages are spoken today, only one language (Kriol) has the full Bible translated.
We are working with local Indigenous translators and in partnership with Christian mission organisations to see God’s Word translated into heart languages, and to distribute Bibles and Scripture resources through Scripture grants for remote and Indigenous communities.
The Auslan Bible Translation
Right now, only 13% of the Bible is accessible in Auslan, the language of the Deaf community in Australia. Bible Society Australia is committed to continuing to partner with the Auslan Bible Project Committee made up of members of the Deaf community as well as Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia, with the goal of translating more Scriptures and Scripture engagement resources into Auslan.
Goals for the Auslan Bible Project in 2026 include translating more Bible stories for children, continuing community forums to shape future translation priorities, and building on the successful relaunch of the Auslan Bible website to make Scripture more accessible for Auslan users.
The Centre for Public Christianity: The Bible in Culture
We promote a better understanding of the truth, beauty and goodness of the Christian story through the work of the Centre for Public Christianity (CPX). CPX brings a thoughtful Christian voice into public life, advocating for Christianity in media, education and other public forums.
In a culture where the Bible and the life of faith can be misunderstood or seem irrelevant, CPX clears away misconceptions and invites Australians to consider the wisdom and life-giving message of the Christian faith. Its work complements Bible Society’s mission by preparing the cultural soil for Bible engagement.
In 2025, CPX engaged an estimated two million people through more than 45 articles published across major news outlets. Their Life & Faith podcast continued to explore the
beauty and complexity of belief in the twenty-first century, releasing 21 episodes and generating more than 60,000 downloads.
Across broadcast media, CPX was featured in 30 radio and television segments, while their speakers delivered 60 public talks, reaching over 10,000 people. CPX resources were used in more than 300 schools, shaping the thinking of 3,000 students and staff.
Signature events like the Richard Johnson Lecture drew audiences of over 500, and new initiatives such as “Tapping In” created fresh pathways for young adults to explore faith.
Find out more about CPX at publicchristianity.org
Bibles in schools, the Australian Defence Force, hospitals, prisons and more
We provide Scripture grants to chaplains and gospel workers, enabling them to acquire Bibles and Scripture resources for those serving in the ADF, victims of natural disasters, people in prisons, hospitals, aged care homes and other vulnerable situations.
Many recipients have never been exposed to the Bible’s message. The trauma of their circumstances often makes them open to seriously reading about and contemplating Jesus’ call on their lives. Our goal is to open the Bible with people at the crossroads of life.
We also support volunteer teachers in Special Religious Education (SRE) and Christian Religious Instruction (CRI) by providing them with Scripture grants for Bibles to be used during lessons and to borrow for home reading. Many public school students in Australia
lack familiarity with the Bible. Our Bibles in Schools Grant empowers Scripture teachers to provide students with the opportunity to hold, navigate and read a Bible during their classes.
The goal of our Scripture grants is to equip chaplains and gospel workers with the resources they need to help Australians from all walks of life engage meaningfully with the Bible.
For more about our work in Australia, scan the QR code or visit, biblesociety.org.au/our-work
Transforming Lives Through Opening The Bible
Scan the QR code to hear Solomon Islands literacy facilitator, Joylyn, talk about reading and teaching the Bible in her language.
Globally
Bible Translation
Together with Bible Societies and Christian Bible translation organisations worldwide, we are focused on finishing the work of Bible translation into the world’s languages.
With the rest of the United Bible Societies fellowship in 2018–2038, we are committed to completing 1,200 Bible translations, including 880 first translations providing the Bible to 600 million people for the first time, and 320 new and revised translations.
In 2026, we are partnering with 2 Bible Societies to support 5 Bible translation projects in 4 countries:
Samoa
Thailand Tonga Vanuatu
Vanuatu: Bible Translation
Vanuatu is home to 138 indigenous languages among a population of just over 300,000, and while 80–90% of residents identify as Christian, many do not have Scripture in their own language.
This project involves four new translations of the New Testament, alongside revisions and digitisation of existing Scripture. Languages include Mele, Ahamb, Lelepa, Futuna, and others. Reading Scripture in one’s own dialect during worship has been shown to greatly deepen understanding and faith, making this work vital for discipleship and community life.
“Before my time comes, I want to leave a legacy for our people in Malekula … with a lot of dedication, and the supporters from Bible Society, we can achieve this great purpose.” — Elder Jack, Ahamb translator
The impact of this project will be profound, helping thousands of Vanuatu Christians engage with God’s Word in a language they truly understand. It also preserves Vanuatu’s rich linguistic heritage, ensuring even small language communities have access to Scripture.
For more about our Bible translation projects, scan the QR code or visit biblesociety.org.au/our-work
Other Global Translation Projects:
Samoa: Samoan Translation
Thailand: Thai Study Bible
Tonga: Tongan Translation
Vanuatu: Unified Bible Translation
In 2026, we are partnering with 7 Bible Societies in Bible distribution projects in:
Bible Distribution
We support Bible distribution projects around the world which are specialised to reach people in need with the Bible in the best format for their situation. We’re putting Bibles into hands and lives, and seeing God transform individuals, families and communities.
China
Jordan
Kenya
Nicaragua
South
Ukraine
Vietnam
Jordan: Bibles and Bread for Refugees
We are partnering with the Bible Society of Jordan to provide practical support and the Word of God to refugee families and underprivileged Jordanian families. Since 2011, this project has aimed to ease both the emotional and physical suffering of families by providing basic necessities and Scripture.
In 2025, the project assisted more than 6,500 families (over 27,000 individuals) with food packages, clothing, baby kits, assistance with schooling and medical aid. Volunteers from local churches delivered these supplies through home visits and church outreach, ensuring families in need were reached. Scripture distribution included over 2,500 Bibles, 1,500 Children’s Bibles, and 50 Audio Bibles, alongside tuition support for 36 students.
“God has heard me … it wasn’t only about covering tuition. It was about keeping my children in a place where their faith is nurtured …” shares Salma*, a mother supported through this project.
The impact of this project is significant, lifting heavy burdens and strengthening the church’s role as a caring neighbour. By supporting initiatives like this, BSA is working to ensure that refugees and the underprivileged receive the care and hope they need, both physically and spiritually.
*Name has been changed to protect their privacy.
For more about our Bible distribution projects, scan the QR code or visit biblesociety.org.au/our-work
In 2026, we are partnering with 17 Bible Societies and 3 mission organisations to support 14 literacy projects, 5 trauma healing projects and 9 specialised Bible engagement projects in 21 countries and territories.
Bible-based support
We encourage the faith journeys of people around the world through Bible engagement campaigns, Bible-based literacy programs and trauma healing programs.
Bangladesh
Burkina Faso
Colombia
Cook Islands
Ethiopia
Guatemala
Israel
Jordan
Kenya
Laos
Lebanon
Mongolia
Mozambique
Pakistan
Rwanda
Slovenia
Solomon
Islands
South Pacific
Sri Lanka
Ukraine
Vanuatu
Bangladesh: Literacy Project
We are supporting the Bangladesh Bible Society in providing Bible-based literacy classes for non-literate women in rural communities. This project empowers women by teaching them to read and write, helping them become confident, educated citizens and active members of their churches.
Each year, the project aims to reach 1,500 women through classes held five days a week, focusing on reading, writing, and comprehension, alongside Bible engagement. Graduates receive their own Bengali Bible to continue practicing literacy skills at home and sharing God’s Word with their families.
“Whenever I attended church prayers, I tried to hide myself — afraid that someone might ask me to pray, read the Bible, or share a message … Over the past nine months, I have been freed from my fears … Now I can pray, read the Bible, and preach before others,” shares Mitali*, a literacy student.
By supporting literacy projects like this one, BSA helps women in Bangladesh break cycles of poverty and grow in faith through engaging with the Bible.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
Kenya: Trauma Healing
We are partnering with the Bible Society of Kenya (BSK) to bring hope and healing to teenagers through a trauma healing program called ARISE. This initiative responds to rising mental health challenges among Kenyan youth, worsened by family breakdown, violence and social pressures.
“I thank God for this intervention — it gave me a reason to live again.” — ARISE participant
Through school-based sessions and holiday healing camps, teens find safe spaces to share their stories, process pain and experience God’s love. This program equips facilitators and churches with Bible-based tools like Life Hurts, Love Heals journals and Luke Journals, helping teens engage with Scripture and build resilience.
In 2026, BSK aims to expand these efforts by training more facilitators, strengthening peer support networks, and creating platforms for teens to thrive spiritually and emotionally. By supporting initiatives like this, BSA is helping restore hope and faith among young people through the Bible.
For more about our Bible engagement projects, scan the QR code or visit biblesociety.org.au/our-work.
Israel: Supporting Core Presence
We are partnering with the Arab Israeli Bible Society (AIBS) to sustain a vital Christian presence in Galilee and serve a community deeply impacted by conflict. This initiative supports Arab Israeli Christians — an ethnic and religious minority — by providing Scripture resources and creating spaces for peace and hope.
Through conferences, workshops, and media outreach, AIBS equips families, youth, and churches with Bible-based tools for resilience and reconciliation. Their centre in Galilee remains open as a safe place for questions, prayer and engagement with God’s Word.
“A mother ... [shared] that she has been looking for a way to encourage her boys to have a deeper commitment to God. She said that this workshop has given her the answer ... and helped her family to draw closer to the Lord.” — AIBS Team Member
In 2026, AIBS plans to strengthen partnerships with local churches, expand Scripture distribution, and host events that nurture faith and unity. By supporting initiatives like this, BSA is helping to open the Bible and its message of peace to communities in crisis, so lives may be transformed by God’s Word.
Choose Your Impact
Thanks to your generosity, Bible Society Australia can bring God’s Word to people who need it most. Here’s a look at the main ways you can give and what each one can make possible.
Give to ‘where needed most’
Your gift is used for the highest-priority needs across our work.
• helps us respond quickly to crises and new opportunities
• supports projects that are under-funded but vital
• lets us balance support across translation, distribution, literacy, trauma healing and advocacy
If you are happy for us to decide where your gift is used, this is the most helpful way to give.
Tax-deductible and non-tax-deductible giving
Some of our Bible-based support work is tax-deductible under Australian law, such as many literacy, trauma healing and humanitarian projects. Other work, including Bible translation, distribution, and church-based Bible engagement, is not.
• all gifts, whether tax-deductible or not, support Bible mission
• we allocate your gift in line with legal requirements and our mission priorities
Set up a regular gift
Regular giving helps us plan well and commit to long-term projects.
• choose an amount that suits you and whether you need tax-deductibility
• all automated regular giving goes to ‘where needed most’
• you can change or cancel your gift at any time
Many of our projects, such as Bible translation and literacy programs, rely on steady support over several years. Regular giving helps us keep these going. We also welcome one-off donations to our appeals and individual projects.
Visit biblesociety.org.au/donate or scan the QR code to choose how you would like to give.
Bibles for Churches
We’re supporting Australian churches with affordable, mission-backed Bibles designed to help people engage deeply with God’s Word. Every Bible we create is thoughtfully designed for its audience — especially new believers — so that Scripture feels approachable and easy to engage with. Additional notes and guides make it easier to understand and apply the Bible in everyday life.
Our range includes:
The New Beginnings Bible and New Testament –clear, easy-to-read, with practical helps for those starting their faith journey.
The ‘Read This’ Bible – created for youth and young adults, with a fresh tone and design that speaks their language.
Gospels – compact and visually engaging for outreach and evangelism.
Thanks to the generosity of Bible Society supporters, we offer affordable Bibles so churches and ministries can share the hope of the gospel without financial barriers.
“I ordered nine boxes of the New Beginnings Bibles. I believe Bible affordability is a key part of Bible Society Australia’s mission, and it’s what makes them stand out. Having high-quality Bibles that don’t break the bank and helps us in our mission to disciple people.”
— Jason Mendis, Lead Pastor at Revive Church
Explore our full range of
Church Partnership Support Partner
By joining our community of Church Partners, you will be helping us offer access to the Bible in Australia and around the world.
Talk to our team today about becoming a Bible Society Mission Partner by supporting us financially or fundraising as a church. Our team can help inspire your community about the importance of the Bible through a Bible themed service.
Contact us at church@biblesociety.org.au
We are here to help resource your church community, from affordable Bibles to children’s Scripture resources, including special products at Easter and Christmas time. By subscribing, you can be the first to know about the latest Bible engagement products and special offers tailored to your church or ministry’s needs.
Sign up at biblesociety.org.au/for-churches
Volunteer
You can help us by becoming a Bible Society Australia volunteer. We will equip you to tell others about Bible Society’s breadth of work and our impact. We are committed to enabling you with information and training to support you as you represent us in your church and community. We hope that you will join us and become part of the Bible Society Australia family!
Contact us at volunteer@biblesociety.org.au
Thank You!
We are eternally grateful for your support — donors, church partners and faithful volunteers — making it possible for lives to be transformed as people encounter and engage with the Bible.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
