Dave Thompson MSP

THE Scottish Parliament is to hold a debate on the importance of The People’s Bible, an historic effort by the populace to transcribe the full text of the King James’ Bible in their own handwriting.

A private members’ motion on the subject from Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson has been selected for debate at 5pm on Wednesday November 16.

Mr Thompson was particularly pleased that his motion of congratulation for the People’s Bible had been selected for debate on the day of the initiative’s finale at Westminster Abbey.

“To mark the 400th anniversary of the publication of the St James’ Bible, the first printed version of the Bible in English, the team behind the People’s Bible has travelled more than 5,500 miles, visiting more than 60 towns and cities in Scotland and also widely in England, to allow thousands of members of the public to transcribe two verses each in their own handwriting,” said Mr Thompson.

“The arrival of the first printed Bible had a huge impact on society and the presence of a copy in homes and schools across the country helped to educate the population of Scotland and the wider world.

“It is fitting that my motion will be heard at Holyrood on the day of the initiative’s finale at Westminster Abbey but unfortunately this means that the majority of those involved will not be able to attend Parliament as they will be in London.

The initiative by the Bible Societies of England and Wales and the Scottish Bible Society to transcribe all 18,320 verses started at Edinburgh Castle on June 19, the anniversary of King James’ birth in 1566, and since then it has visited communities across Britain. The conclusion of the project will be marked by a ceremony at Westminster Abbey when it is presented to the Queen.

Note:

Motion: S4M-01030 Dave Thompson ? (Scottish National Party): That the Parliament applauds the accomplishment of the People’s Bible in travelling over 5,500 miles since June 2011 and recording 18,320 verses in over 60 towns and cities in Scotland, including Fort William and Portree; considers that the People’s Bible has prompted Scots throughout society and across the country to discover and rediscover the Bible; looks forward to the Scottish finale at Stirling Castle in November; hopes that the People’s Bible will be a catalyst for renewed interest in reading the Bible, and believes that the transformative and lasting impact of the King James’ Bible on Scottish language, culture and education can be mirrored in the influence of the People’s Bible on the people of Scotland today.