Media release: Access all areas

Two Christian charities have teamed up to help people with learning disabilities get into the Bible. Scripture Union and Causeway PROSPECTS have published a new set of Bible Prospects books, each containing 30 short Bible readings from the ETRV (Easy-to-read-version), simple notes to encourage understanding and response, and short prayers.

The books have been published to help the estimated 1.2 million people in the UK with a learning disability access the Bible and learn about God. People with learning disabilities are currently under represented in the church and as a result, the ultimate aim of Bible Prospects is to see more people with learning disabilities get into church life.

Tony Phelps-Jones, Director of Causeway PROPSPECTS is excited about the potential the books offer: ‘The Bible Prospects series is written at a level that people with learning disabilities can understand, and the applications are relevant to the circumstances they often find themselves in,’ says Tony. ‘ We hope the books will be transforming, enabling people to find life in Christ, faith in Jesus and go on to grow in that faith.’

Lin Ball, Scripture Union’s Editor for Bible Resources believes the new series of Bible Prospects is useful for a wide range of people: ‘The Bible is a big book that many of us find daunting, but if you’re dyslexic, or if you’ve missed out on education, or English isn’t your first language, then reading the Bible becomes a tremendous hurdle. Bible Prospects is designed to help people in these situations access the Bible much easier.

John S Smith, former Director of Evangelical Alliance is hopeful that Bible Prospects will lead to more people with learning disabilities getting involved in church. ‘Scripture Union and Causeway PROSPECTS are to be commended for their pioneering work in making the Bible accessible to a wider range of readers,’ says John. ‘I hope the Bible Prospects series can lead to a greater provision for special needs and that it will play its part in establishing ‘Churches for All’.

Notes to Newsdesk:

1) For more information, high-res images, or to interview Tony or Lin, please contact Scripture Union’s media officer Adam Petrie on 01908 856030 or email adamp@scriptureunion.org.uk

2) The latest set of Bible Prospects books – In the beginning, The first Christians, The story of Easter and Moses, man of God – are published in April.

3) Photo credit: Marcus Perkins

4) Scripture Union is an international mission movement working with churches in more than 140 countries to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to children, young people and families, and to encourage them to develop spiritually through the Bible and prayer.