HOLY SCRIPTURES

Preamble

In the present era where there are so many versions of the scriptures available, it is difficult to discern which one is better than another. Consequently, those conducting services are asked to use great care to choose a version that expresses clearly and faithfully God¹s Word.
 
The following guidelines for evaluating Bible translations are a slightly revised set of criteria developed by a number of Canadian Anglican Biblical scholars for the Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee of General Synod.

Criteria for Evaluating Translations of Scripture

1. A translation produced by a group is generally better than a translation produced by an individual, since a group is less likely to miss errors and eccentricities in textual criticism and translation.

2. A translation produced ecumenically is generally better than a translation produced within a single denomination or theological tradition, since an ecumenical project is less likely to endorse decisions biased in a particular theological direction.

3. An accurate translation needs to be founded on a good reconstruction of the original text, through the sound textual criticism of the manuscript tradition.

4. A reliable translation needs to be loyal to the original meanings, avoiding theologically motivated translations.  A too loose translation (such as the Living Bible, the Message, and other paraphrases) can be inaccurate and theologically loaded.

5. The style should be accessible. A too literal translation (such as the Darbyite translation, the Revised Version, American Standard Version, and New American Standard Bible) is hard to understand.
 
6. Inclusive language for humanity should be expected.

7. The apocryphal or deutero-canonical books should be included since readings from these books are found in the Office and Eucharistic lectionaries of the Book of Common Prayer and the Book of Alternative Services.

Revised March 2002