Project Information

Imagine the future… You are in church and the leader stands up to read the Bible reading. The hearing people can find the chapter in their own Bibles, and the Deaf people can take their personal hand-held computer (or PDA) from their pocket and watch the same Bible reading presented by a Deaf person in BSL. This means equal access with hearing people.

The Bible will be translated by Deaf and hearing people working in teams, with advice from Bible experts about the original Greek and Hebrew language. This translation will be signed by a Deaf person and made into digital video, so it could become a DVD, or downloaded from the internet. In future it could even be seen on a mobile phone.

Get the Flash Player to see this British Sign Language video.

The Bible in BSL will also mean that Deaf BSL users will be able to study the Bible in their preferred language in groups, to build their faith or for theological study.

All translations will be put through an intensive checking and consultation process, to make sure that the BSL is clear and the translation is accurate.

This is a very big project that will take many years to complete. We need people to help and support us in lots of different ways. For example, by praying, by joining a group to give feedback on BSL Bible video clips, by giving money, by joining a translation team and by generally telling everyone you know about the Project!

The BSL Bible Translation Project is a cross-denominational, independent, not-for-profit organisation. We are currently undergoing registration with Companies House and the Charity Commission as a Registered Charitable Company. We are recruiting a group of Deaf and hearing trustees and advisers.

Why do we need a Bible in BSL?

Many people do not initially understand why Deaf people would need a Bible in BSL and ask why Deaf people cannot effectively read the Bible in English.

Since the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into the Septuagint for the Greek-speaking people, communities have wanted Biblical text in their own language.  This has led to Bible translation into many different languages, for people throughout the world.  Of course, this desire and need is true for communities of people who are Deaf and who use a sign language as their first or preferred language.  While many people groups now have a Bible in their own language, the Deaf Community in Britain are still waiting.

Many Deaf people find reading English difficult; it is hard to learn English without access to the sounds of the language from birth.  However, Deaf people do have their own naturally evolving, indigenous language – British Sign Language!  Deaf people vary in their understanding of written English, some Deaf people in the UK are bilingual in BSL and English, but they still long for a Bible that is theirs, in their ‘heart’ language.

BSL Bible Translation Project Trustees

Roy Maguire

Roy

Roy Maguire describes himself as “Married with only one wife!” He works for YMCA England helping young ex-offenders resettle. He has been involved in the Deaf world since 1990 via Sarah his only wife. He completed Stage 1 BSL “a very long time ago!”

Peter Shaw

Peter

Peter Shaw was born, grew up and currently lives in Carlisle, Cumbria and attended St John's Catholic School for the Deaf. He is married to Maryka and they have two children, Helena (9) and George (7). He’s been involved with various church activities including youth work, counselling training and worship in both Catholic and Church of England churches.

Carolyn

Carolyn Denmark (photo to follow) comes from a strong Deaf family with Deaf members stretching back for many generations. She works as a Deaf Equality Officer for a Local Authority and has a vast amount of experience of BSL in the media, including presenting and translating on TV.

Diane Colville

Diane

Diane Colville lives in Leeds where she is a qualified BSL teacher. She has supported the Deaf community for over 30 years in a variety of ways, including involvement with the BDA, British Deaf Sports Council and Leeds Interpreting Service. She continues her support of Deaf people by being on the Management Committee of the Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People and serving as a Church of England Reader (Lay Minister).

Ros Hunt

Ros

Ros Hunt has been involved with the Deaf community for many years. She is an ordained priest in the Church of England and has worked as a Chaplain with Deaf people, as well as working in Social Services, but she is currently a student! Ros is studying for a PhD about deaf children and their parents at the University of Manchester.

The trustees are supported by an advisory group of Deaf and hearing people who have particular skills helpful to the project's work.
The project has a PhD research student - Tracey Raistrick - who is studying Bible translation into BSL and the processes within and surrounding the project and working part time as a coordinator. Tracey is from Bradford. Sarah Haynes from Bristol is also working a few hours each week as a coordinator for the project.