100 millionth Bible printed

China has become the biggest Bible publisher in the world after printing its 100 millionth copy, according to the country's only authorized Bible-printing company.

At a ceremony held on Thursday in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu province, the 100 millionth copy was unveiled.

Amity Printing Co Ltd Chairman Qiu Zhonghui said the company has printed about 60 million copies of the holy book in China, including editions in nine ethnic-group languages. The company has provided 40 million copies in more than 90 languages to about 70 countries and regions in the world.

Amity Printing is a joint venture between China's Amity Foundation and the United Bible Societies. The company has been publishing the Bible since 1987.

Due to Chinese government policies, Amity Printing benefits from being exempt from various taxes when producing the Bible, Qiu said. There are more than 70 sales outlets nationwide that sell the book.

Guo Wei, spokeswoman for the State Administration for Religious Affairs, said at the ceremony: "The Chinese government respects and protects religious freedom and will continue to support printing and publishing Bibles in China."

China has become the biggest publisher of Bibles worldwide. China encourages further cooperation between Chinese and overseas churches and Christian circles, Guo said.

Leaders of churches and Christian groups from more than 20 countries and regions — including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, Hong Kong and Taiwan — were also invited to the ceremony. They offered congratulatory speeches, gifts and pledges to deepen cooperation in fundraising, Bible printing and philanthropy.

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