Norwegian Bible Society celebrated 200th anniversary

The Norwegian Bible Society (NBS) was founded back on May 26, 1816. Today, it takes pride to be the oldest interchurch institution in the country.

The society was established only two years after Norway got its national independence from Denmark, as well as five years after the first national university was founded in Oslo in 1816.

Originally, the NBS published predominantly Scripture translations in Danish language. The first Norwegian Bible was printed in 1830.

CELEBRATIONS: MUSIC, DEBATE, FILM FESTIVAL

The celebration included various events were held by local churches, including a youth festival Jesus Loves Electro – and YOU!; a public debate in the Oslo House of Literature; and evening with worship music in the Oslo Cathedral; a standup humoristic show; a concert of Salmeklang Choir; a Bible quiz; a children’s party with much music; a film festival “Faith on Canvas”; as well as a gala concert in Oslo Koncerthaus.

A special moment in the festival was the involvement of the Norwegian Crown Princess. Mette-Marit joined on Thursday morning, and read the first nine verses of Psalm 71.

An old Norwegian Bible.

The impressive public Scriptural reading from Genesis to Revelation was held in the open, next to Oslo Domkirke – the Oslo Cathedral, raised at the end of the 17^th century, formerly known as “Our Savior's Church”. It was here that the Norwegian Bible Society was established exactly two hundred years ago.

The NBS is translating, printing and distributing God’s Word in various editions and formats. The organization also supports Bible printing in a number of countries throughout the world by means of more than 70 projects in cooperation with United Bible Societies.

Today, the NBS estimates that on average, 1.3 Bibles have been distributed per person in Norway.