WHEREAS, This Convention recognizes, first, that widespread distribution of the printed Word of God is a basic need in mission work around the world, and second, that missionary advance calls for even greater distribution of Bibles, New Testaments, Gospels, and other individual books of the Bible, and
WHEREAS, We recognize that the American Bible Society renders an essential worldwide missionary service through translating and publishing the Scriptures without note or comment and through distributing these without profit and usually below cost, and
WHEREAS, We recognize that the American Bible Society is planning to observe its 150th Anniversary in 1966 by launching an advanced program for greatly increased service throughout the world, emphasizing the present opportunities for a massive advance in placing the printed Word of God in the hands, hearts and lives of more people in more lands and more languages, and
WHEREAS, We recognize that the American Bible Society is rendering an additional special service through providing, without charge, to the Chaplains, Scriptures for distribution to the men and women of the Armed Forces and to patients in Veterans Hospitals.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That we fraternally urge all our churches and our people to make worthy contribution to the work of the American Bible Society, in order to provide the Scriptures needed for the missionary advance to which we are committed, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Southern Baptist Convention observe the 150th Anniversary advance of the American Bible Society in 1966 with special services, emphasizing the need for a wider reading and sharing of the Holy Scriptures, and that the Executive Committee be asked to appoint a committee of five to work with the American Bible Society in making plans for this observance.