At the General Synod two weeks ago, a motion was agreed that means that the Church of England will join Christians across the country in celebrating and promoting the Bible as part of the 400th anniversary in 2011 of the Authorised Version.

The Synod voted unanimously to approve a motion which expresses a confidence in the Bible and calls on churches, deaneries and dioceses to use 2011 to teach, preach and share the Bible afresh with our nation.

The Revd John Dunnett, General Director of the Anglican evangelical mission agency CPAS and General Synod member proposed the motion on behalf of the Diocese of Chelmsford. He said: "I am delighted that the General Synod gave such an unambiguous call for churches to teach, share and educate people about the Bible in 2011. It was Abraham Lincoln who referred to it as ‘the best gift’ of God and I hope that this clarion call of Synod will enthuse us all to offer it afresh to men, women and children throughout the UK."

The Biblefresh partnership of over fifty agencies, festivals, colleges and denominations have joined forces to see churches grow their confidence in the scriptures during 2011, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of the King James version of the Bible. It is the first time so many agencies and organisations have come together to promote God’s word in this way. Partners include the Bible Society, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Scripture Union, London School of Theology, CWR, UCB radio and the Evangelical Alliance among many others.

Biblefresh was formed in response to recent findings about the Bible’s place in the Church; for instance, only 1 in 7 churchgoers say they are confident in their knowledge of the Bible, and 76% of church leaders associate Bible poverty with the UK where the Bible is no longer at the centre of public or family life. The movement will encourage churches in practical ways and help them re-engage with the Bible and regain more confidence in God’s word.

Dr Krish Kandiah, Executive Director of Churches in Mission at the Evangelical Alliance said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Church of England has made 2011 a year of focus on the Bible and the Biblefresh movement looks forward to working with churches across the country to provide practical and inspirational ways of helping the Bible".