• We agree that the overarching concern in Bible translation is to preserve the sanctity of the truth of sacred Scripture.
  
• We agree that the goal of all translation should be to render the most accurate translation possible.
  
• We agree that Bible translation should not be influenced by illegitimate intrusions of secular culture or by political or ideological agendas.
  
• We agree that there are limited times when the use of gender-accurate language enhances the accuracy of the translation, but overuse can become an instrument of distortion.

The second component, titled Guidelines for Translation of Gender-Related Language in Scripture, contains some very specific guidelines that those present generally agreed with, or at the time were willing to endorse. However, upon further review and consideration, and in consultation with other evangelical scholars, IBS has determined that many of the technical guidelines are too restrictive to facilitate the most accurate possible text in contemporary English.

Since that meeting, the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT), the body that translated the New International Version (NIV), has continued its work of reviewing and updating the NIV in accordance with its own guidelines and the guidelines established by the International Forum of Bible Agencies (IFBA). The IFBA is an organization comprised of 18 of the leading global translation ministries including IBS, Wycliffe Bible Translators, United Bible Societies, Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), New Tribes Mission and others. The members of this consortium are responsible for more than 90 percent of the translation work done around the world, and have established translation guidelines that promote uncompromisingly accurate translations in contemporary language.

In mid-2001, the CBT submitted its new text, entitled Today’s New International Version (TNIV), to International Bible Society for review, approval and subsequent publication. The text has been reviewed by a number of conservative evangelical scholars and given very positive reviews. However, the text does not conform, in its entirety, to the specific guideline listed in the second section of the CSG. As a result, IBS, in the interest of fulfilling its God-ordained mission of providing excellent, accurate translations for today’s generation, is left with the following dilemma:

• We are party to conflicting translation guidelines (the CSG and those of the International Forum). The TNIV, to a large extent, does not conform to the technical guidelines set forth in the second part of the CSG document.

• The CSG prohibit IBS from advancing our mission and mandate for translation in English.

• The CSG do not align with other accepted evangelical translation principles and practices, particularly CBT’s and the IFBA’s.

• English usage is changing dramatically, creating the need for an updated text in today’s language.

Because one of our core values is integrity, IBS will not release the TNIV while still a signatory to the CSG. Therefore, effective January 18, 2002, IBS is withdrawing its endorsement of the CSG.

It may be possible for the CSG to be revised. If the signatories of the CSG are in agreement to a revision process, IBS would be delighted to participate and, upon completion, may once again be willing to support the CSG. However, since the CSG were not initiated by IBS, this is not a process we feel we can move forward.

On January 4, 2002, Dr. Ronald Youngblood, IBS Board Chairman and a member of the CBT, and I met with Dr. Dobson and members of his team to seek their counsel and inform them of the dilemma we face and our decision. I would like to thank Dr. Dobson for his gracious, God-honoring response during this meeting. While it is clear that there may be difference of opinion among respected evangelical scholars and ministries on matters of translation, we believe our dialogue was conducted in a spirit of brotherly love and reconciliation.

I would like to inform you, as an interested party or signatory to the CSG, of IBS’ dilemma. Our heartfelt desire and prayer is that further division within the Body of Christ be avoided.
While differences of opinion exist on matters of translation, we believe this work of CBT
is the most accurate, contemporary text it has ever produced. Furthermore, we believe there is
a profound need for this text among a generation of people who may never otherwise look to God’s word.

Believing deeply in the need for this text, especially for the younger generation, and in its uncompromised degree of accuracy and clarity, IBS will be sending out nearly 40,000 prepublication editions of the TNIV New Testament to key gatekeepers and evangelical leaders nationwide to solicit their feedback. The text, along with accompanying information, will be sent at the end of January 2002. We will be including you in this mailing and look forward to your critique of the TNIV.

I would also like to emphasize that the NIV, in its current form, will continue to be published without change as long as people desire it.

If you have comments related to this matter, I encourage you to contact me directly at IBS by email at pbradley@usa.ibs.org, or by mail at 1820 Jet Stream Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80921.

In the meantime, may God richly bless you as you serve Him and work to see His Kingdom grow.

In His service,

Peter Bradley
President