The Biblical Association for the Church of Ireland launched its 2012 Lent Study in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute on Wednesday (February 9).
The five–week Bible study resource focuses on the theme of “Economic Justice”.
Week by week, selected passages are given along with short commentaries, suggestions for further reading and questions for group discussion.
The study was compiled and written by a team of Biblical scholars which included Revd Dr Ron Elsdon, Dr Katie Heffelfinger, Dr David Hutchinson–Edgar, Revd Dr Virginia Kennerley, Revd Darren McCallig, Revd Dr William Olhausen, Dr Jason Silverman and Revd Helene Steed.
The theme was chosen so that the Church of Ireland can participate in the Anglican Communion’s “Bible in the Life of the Church” project. This project aims to discover how Anglicans worldwide read their Bibles and to begin to provide some tools that will enable a deeper engagement with scripture.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Jason Silverman urged rectors to take up the study in their parishes.
BACI is an Anglican and Ecumenical organisation which exists to enrich and deepen the use of the Bible in the Church of Ireland by encouraging rigorous and faith–based biblical study. BACI seeks to represent and serve the entire Church of Ireland, geographically and theologically. The Archbishops of Dublin and Armagh are both honorary patrons of BACI.
The study is designed to be uses for Lent 2012 but it is not year specific and may be used freely in the future. It can be downloaded for use by the Church of Ireland, churches generally, groups and individuals at www.bibliahibernica.wordpress.com. A limited number of printed copies are available from the National Bible Society at a cost of €2.