For almost 400 years its words have rung out across pulpits the length and breadth of the country, writes Michael Binyon. Its phrases have been on the lips of millions, its cadences the music of English literature. Few translations have been as felicitous, few books as influential.

The Authorised Version of the Bible, known also in America as the King James Version, is arguably one of the greatest works ever published in this country. And a committee has just been set up to ensure that its quatercentenary in 2011 is celebrated with rejoicing, gusto and a host of national commemorations.

King James lent his support to a new translation while still King of Scotland, attending the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland at St Columba’s Church in Burntisland, Fife, where proposals were put forward for a new translation. He convened the Hampton Court conference three years later.

Four hundred years later the 2011 Trust, under the patronage of the Prince of Wales, is again to assemble scholars across the country to celebrate the achievement. There will be conferences and concerts, lectures and readings, seminars and ecumenical gatherings. Cathedrals will be invited to stage events marking the publication. The universities of Oxford, Cambridge and London will offer lectures in translation and academic analyses of the text. Schools will be invited to set up projects to interest young people in the Bible’s literary, cultural and religious legacy.

The anniversary will also be used to promote interdenominational and interfaith dialogue. For although the Authorised Version is overwhelmingly associated with the Protestant Churches, and the Church of England in particular, its words are probably as well known to English-speaking Roman Catholics as those of the other translations sanctioned by the Vatican.

Full story at The Times.

• Filed under Bible, History, Scottish Christian News Monitor.