Interecclesial group for the translation of de Bible - Dionisio Amundarain

It is not therefore an ecumenical translation: many are the christian churches which have taken no part in this work. That is why the term "Interecciesial Bible" has been used, in order to express the combined work of different christian churches.

The protestants were represented by the "Unified Association fbr the Bible"; on the catholic side, diocesan priests and a group of friars have taken part in this job..

These collaborations are no more unusual or infrequent. The Vatican Secretariat for the Unification of Christians has established some rules for this kind of work. Many translations have already been done and are still being done. This is but another one.

The intention to set up one of these groups, came out in Loyola in 1977, in Franca's days. Nevertheless it doesn't take shape until 1977, when protestants express their wish to collaborate. A seminar was held in Aranzazu and the following aims were set ferth: to analyse scientifically the problems raised by the translation of the Bible into modern languages; to translate it into "euskara batua" so that it can reach the widest range of people. In 1978, the translation of the New Testament begins; it is finished by 1982. A second edition is now in progress. The translation criteria have been the following: to translate into "euskara batua" and in an up-to-dated style; high exegetic level; the use of the greek text as original text. Finally, more than to obtain literal translation, dynamic equivalence has rather been choosen. On the other hand, it must he said, that bearing in mind the specific problems raised by the translation of the Bible, the latter cannot be considered separately as a sacred text and a literary one.

The acceptance of this work has been good: in 1978 the edition was sold out.

As far as the new projects are concerned, we can say that at this moment the groups have the intention of translating the Old Testament and thus in seven or eight years the whole Bible will be translated into basque.