Bible translation symposium

Representatives from the 12 districts met with the Translation Evaluation Committee (TEC) in early January. The symposium was aimed at building consensus on the principles of translation in the hopes that they will guide delegates in choosing a new translation.

The group was gathered by invitation and included two representatives from each district (appointed by their district president), the TEC, the Translation Feasibility Committee, and representatives from each area of ministry. The goal was to gather a group that represented all points of view and every area of synodical work. With just over 40 men in attendance, the smaller symposium allowed for more discussion and the free exchange of ideas during plenary sessions as well as small group task/study work. The session focused on some of the complexities of translating the Word of God as well as some of the specific issues that have arisen in connection with the NIV11.

“Our sincere desire and prayer is that this conference will result in greater consensus—as well as areas in which more work needs to be done,” stated WLS President Paul Wendland, chairman of the TEC. “Our hope then would be that the representatives from each of the districts would return to their home ground and lead the discussions on the basis of this consensus.”

At their conventions in the summer of 2012 all 12 districts will vote on which translation is to be used in synodical publications. A ballot will be prepared by the synod praesidium. The 2011 synod convention specified that a 2/3 majority of all votes cast would be required for any translation to be selected.

WELS President Mark Schroeder notes, “Our synod has been blessed with a unified and unwavering commitment to the sola scriptura principle of the Reformation. We pray that whatever translation is finally selected, we will continue in that commitment to treasure every word of the Scriptures for what it is, the Word of God himself.”

More information on the work of the Translation Evaluation Committee