(KJV) 1631 Holy Bible, Robert Barker/John Bill, Creative Commons.
October 30, 2011
General Synod 2010 called on the church to celebrate 2011 as the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible, also known as the Authorized Version (AV).
The Authorized Version represents a milestone in Anglican history, as it brought together the best scholarship of the day in order to produce an English language version of the Bible that could serve the whole Church of England. But it also stands as a major contribution of our church to English-speaking literature and culture around the world.
Anglicans are invited to find the best way to celebrate this anniversary in their communities. This could be a service of thanksgiving involving other parishes and/or churches of other traditions that also value the King James Bible.
Some churches are organizing public readings of sections of the AV or historical displays, and this may be a way to share an event with others who appreciate its cultural impact, such as theatre groups, libraries, and academic English departments.
Resources and other suggestions for public events can be found through the King James Bible Trust and the Canadian Bible Society. The day that General Synod proposed for special focus on this anniversary is Sunday, October 30, 2011.
Suggested hymns prayers and readings:
Genesis 1
1 Cor 13
Sirach 44
Matthew’s Beatitudes
Various Canticles
Luke 2
John 1
The collect for second Sunday of Advent might also be appropriate for these celebrations.
For more information, explore these websites:
Canadian Bible Society
King James Bible Trust
Celebrations of the King James Version in the United Kingdom
