Interview: Bible Society of India chief on immediate priorities

Rev. Dr. Mani Chacko was recently inducted as the general secretary of the Bible Society of India (BSI). He earlier served as the director of Bangalore-based Ecumenical Christian Centre. Prior to it, he was the principal of Gurukul theological college in Chennai. Bible Society of India translates and distributes Bibles in numerous native Indian languages. The Society has covered about 176 Indian languages till date. In an interview with Christian Today, Rev. Chacko shares his immediate priorities and vision for the Christian publishing house.

Q) What past experiences do you bring as you take over this new responsibility?
I was in Gurukul for five years and later moved on to ECC. This new responsibility came truly through God's appointment. My experiences in various Christian ministries will help me to build a strong network with churches. Besides translation, I will focus on bringing the liberative aspect of the Bible.

Q) To what extent has the Bible impacted your life?
The Bible has been a source of inspiration right from my childhood. One of the powerful images that I still carry on in my memory is that of my grandmother and her inspiration in my life to walk spiritually. I used to remain on my knees with the Bible opened, meditating every day between 6 to 8pm. That has probably inspired me to take theological studies. My specialization is the Old Testament. And I went on to do my doctorate. The Bible has always remained my passion. I believe it is relevant for all time and all space. What matters is the way we present and the way we interpret.

Q) The vision of BSI is to "bring the Bible closer to people and people closer to the Bible". How would you be able to contribute to this vision?
I believe BSI needs to be ruled by churches. So my chief priority would be to relate BSI with the churches. If I am able to do that it would enable me to conduct Bible study programs and to conduct retreats through which I can encourage people to spend more time studying the Scriptures. To achieve this, it would need a lot of patience. Also, establishing relationship with churches is very important. That opens door to reach out to young people, especially those thirsty for the Word.

Q) What would be your immediate priorities as you take charge?
My first priority would be to establish deeper relationship with churches and church groups. Then build a strong rapport with colleges, both theological and secular in nature. Also build a network with national bodies like NCCI, CBCI and so on. A strong relation with these institutions will boost the works of BSI.

Q) What will be the approach of BSI to people group movements?
BSI is open to all people and groups. We will focus on imparting Biblical values and giving the right exposure to the actual core of the Gospel. Sometimes wrong understanding of the Bible can distort its message. Like already said, BSI is open to all people because the mandate is to proclaim the Word to all people and all nation.

Q) How will BSI promote dialogue of religions in India in a critical time as this when violence and allegations of conversion have assumed center stage?
This has been an issue of concern to me for a long time. That is why I said the message of the Bible is relevant for all times, for all seasons and all people. The way we present and the way we interpret is very important. We should in no ways hurt the religious sentiments of people of other faiths. As far as conversion is concerned, it is not I who convert people but is led by the Holy Spirit. Only when God works, a transformation happens. This is not possible through man's efforts.

Q) Social networking on the Internet has been spreading its tentacles across all sections of society, especially youths, and has kept them constantly engaged. How will BSI under your leadership reach out to them?
One of the concerns would be to make the Bible online...sections of the Bible that would appeal to them and would help them in their journey. Also will put efforts on conducting conferences and consultations with youth groups. Since I am on the board of various secular colleges, it will be easy for BSI to organise such youth conferences that will be spiritually invigorating.

Q) Secular publishing houses are making good use of state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge tools to expand their operations. How would BSI use the same for its various ministries?
We have a strong marketing, computer and audio-visual department. They are also given periodic training to be educated in new technologies. I would continue to encourage the same. Also would bring expertise from Bible societies around the world.

Q) There are a number of contemporary translations seeking to paraphrase the Bible and make it easier to read. Should we try a similar strategy to make the Gospel more appealing to the Indian society?
As I said, the Gospel is appealing to all people, to all times and all seasons. But then we need to understand the culture and the context we are in to present the Gospel. As we understand the context, we should also do justice to the original language the Bible was written and not deviate from its meaning. At the same time there should be a balance struck between the original and the current ie. author and the reader.

Q) BSI has been selling Bibles. Will it also be offering the same for no cost in near future?
BSI has financial constraints and challenges like any other organisation. The point is we will not make selling Bible a business. May be we will be able to bring down the cost and provide Bibles at affordable rates. If there are instances where we need to distribute Bibles for free, we will not hesitate. Ultimately what matters is the proclamation of God's Word which is the mandate of BSI.

Q) Can you give us some figures on BSI's translation projects?
Currently BSI is working on about 92 translation projects. Out of 800 languages, we have the Bible translated in about 70 of them. There is a lot more work left. Bible needs to be translated in many Indian languages. It is a very gargantuan task. Once that is complete, we will be able to reach out to more people with the Good News in their own languages. This task is not just BSI's, but must be done together.