The Norwegian Bible Society (NBS), the oldest inter-church organisation in Norway, has elected June 11 Pastor Tor Tjeransen, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Norway, as new Chairman. It is the first time that this position has been filled by a member of a free church in Norway. Until today a bishop of the Church of Norway has been holding this position. The Church of Norway confesses the Lutheran Christian faith.

The Norwegian Bible Society was established in 1816 within the Church of Norway 1816 and has been an ecumenical organisation since 1984. The task of the Bible Society is to maintain the influence from the Bible on the society and to help individuals find salvation and new life in Christ. It is the central institution for Bible translation, production and distribution in Norway and promotes Bible reading at home and raises funds for Bible work abroad. Annually 100,000 - 150,000 Bibles are sold and distributed only in Norway.

The Norwegian Bible Society cooperates closely with the United Bible Societies (UBS) and with national sister societies in many countries. The society has spearheaded Bible work in Madagascar, Israel and in Latin American countries, and in Eastern Europe in cooperation with national churches.

"Bringing the Bible to the public eye in Norway is more important than ever, for the Bible is the most important source of our faith", says Pastor Tjeransen. Seventh-day Adventist Christians have always been proud to support this good work. In many countries of the world the Adventist Church has enabled the Bible Societies to pursue the mission of reaching all people everywhere so that everyone will have the opportunity to experience the life-changing message of the Bible.