From generation to generation, the Bible has been an essential tool for sacred relationship & guidance, meaning making, community building, and so much more. For over two centuries, the Massachusetts Bible Society has been dedicated to promoting biblical literacy and we are excited to announce that as of January 1, 2023, the Massachusetts Bible Society is now part of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ.

MBS leadership has discerned long and diligently about how best to sustain our core mission. As James D. Smith III wrote in the 1984 history of the Society, “it’s a survival story.” Over this last year, it has become clear to us that partnering with another organization is the best way for the mission of the MBS to not only survive but thrive. We are delighted to enter into this corporate combination and become part of the mission and vision of SNEUCC. We have full faith that they will not only honor the legacy of MBS but carry it forward in innovative ways.

The complete process will take a good part of 2023. During this time SNEUCC leadership is committed to continuing the Bible grant program, promoting the Dickinson Series and maintaining the Don A. Wells Preaching Prize (although on a later timeline). They will also be assessing other MBS programs and developing ways to integrate biblical literacy into their work.  While MBS email will continue to be monitored until it is phased out, permanent contact information for MBS related things is: Lynn Varney; Varneyl@sneucc.org; (781) 369-1396; 1 Badger Rd., Framingham MA 01702. Below is a copy of the announcement. 

We hope and pray that you will continue to partner with SNEUCC as you have with us, to promote biblical literacy, understanding, and dialogue that is grounded in scholarship, socially relevant, and respectful of the many voices within the Bible and all those who turn to the Bible in faith.

Here is the article.