The Bermuda Bible Society will be hosting its annual Proclamation this month in an effort to encourage the reading of God’s Word.“We hope that many Bermudians — both those who listen and those who read during Proclamation — will have a remarkable new experience,” explained the organisation, which works side by side with the Canadian Bible Society.Over the course of two days, readers from a wide variety of churches and denominations will be reading aloud the entirety of the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. John, the Acts of the Apostles, and the epistles, Romans, Galatians and James.Similar events are held in different places around the world each year, allowing those who read and attend to hear the Scriptures read in a variety of different languages and from a variety of different versions.“The roots of Proclamation are as old as the book of Nehemiah. There, in the eighth chapter, Ezra the priest reads the Law aloud to the whole assembly of Israel, from beginning to end, and spiritual renewal follows.”“Proclamation can have a similar impact today. Hundreds of participants in other countries have described how Scriptures have spoken freshly to them during a Proclamation event. And church leaders have seen renewal in their congregations.”“But Proclamation isn’t only about reinvigorating the church. It’s about public witness. Most Proclamation events bring together congregations and parishes from many different denominations and confessions — and the co-operative spirit makes a powerful statement to the community. More importantly, the profile that Proclamation gives to the Scriptures is itself a strong witness to the Christian faith.”According to Rev Erskine Simmons, who serves as president of the Bermuda Bible Society, “Once again, we will be at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian ... and reading the books sequentially, dividing the readings up into sections.”Each reader will read for about five minutes, beginning on the hour, and running for about 45 minutes, followed by a fifteen minute break before recommencing on the next hour.“Most hours will feature between ten and twelve readers,” Rev. Simmons explained. “People are free to come and listen or read in any language they please, or any version of the Bible they please.”In the past, some of the languages the Scriptures have been read in have included Afrikaans, Dutch, Portuguese and French, among others.“We’ve have had good support in the past,” Rev. Simmons said. Readers have also been supplied through school and church groups, as well as, sometimes, right off the street.Those interested in participating as a reader can contact Rev. Simmons by e-mail at erskines@northrock.bm, or by calling 297-4193.Proclamation will take place on Monday, March 18, with reading from 9am to 6pm, and Tuesday, March 19, with reading from 9am to 5pm.