Bible Translators Giving High Priority to Newly Independent South Sudan

January 7, 2012

Bible translation organization Wycliffe Associates is working to assist Bible translators in newly independent South Sudan with logistical, financial and personnel support, according to Donn Hallman of Wycliffe. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July, which has opened new doors for religious freedom. "There are more people without the Bible in the Sudan region than in any other area of Africa," said Bruce Smith, president and CEO of Wycliffe. Twenty-nine languages in South Sudan have no Scripture -- approximately 20 percent of the population -- and six projects are currently underway. "Our partners on the ground say that without our immediate action, no new translation projects can begin," Smith said. He added that translation needs in all of Sudan are great, with 21 million Sudanese waiting for the Bible in a language they can understand; Wycliffe is making translation in this region one of its top priorities for the coming years.