Ottawa salutes King James Bible

Ottawa participants involved in public readings from the King James Bible on Nov. 25 may soon find themselves in royal company.

HRH Prince Charles has already contributed to a YouTube reading of chapter 14 from the Gospel according to John. The ecumenical readings, organized by the Anglican diocese of Ottawa, Saint Paul University and the Canadian Bible Society, may find their way into the larger YouTube compilation. Theywill be videotaped as part of the worldwide 400^th anniversary celebrations of 1611 translation.

Other readers include actors, sports personalities, musicians, politicians and the general public. This ambitious project is being organized by the King James Bible Trust, which is encouraging as many people as possible to take part.

The Anglican diocese of Ottawa began its celebrations with a festal choral evensong last Sunday at Christ Church Cathedral. The salute continues today and Saturday with public readings in the Saint Paul University chapel.

On Saturday, the Rev. Dr. David Neelands, dean of divinity at Trinity College in Toronto, will give two public talks: the first on the politics and theology that helped and hindered the creation of the King James Bible; the second on the King James version and other English versions of its era. He will also discuss more contemporary English translations.

For more details, telephone Lisa Chisholm-Smith, Anglican diocese of Ottawa, 613 233-6271, ext 231 or email [email protected] .