Wycliffe USA thanks Assemblies of God for ongoing support of Bible translation

USA (MNN) — Do you remember the "God the Father" translation controversy last spring?

Wycliffe Bible Translators USA came under fire for its translation polices regarding phrases like "Son of God" and "Father of God" in Muslim contexts. Wycliffe was publicly accused of eliminating these terms in Arabic and Bengali Bible translations so as not to offend Muslim readers.

The controversy eventually threatened a partnership between Wycliffe and Assemblies of God, the world's largest Pentecostal body. It claims more than 65 million members worldwide, including 3 million in the United States.

In April 2013, the World Evangelical Alliance completed an independent review of standards for translating “God the Father” and “Son of God,” particularly in Muslim contexts. The 13-member WEA panel, which consisted of Biblical, theological, missiological and anthropological experts from around the world, issued 10 recommendations for clarifying and strengthening translation practices in these sensitive contexts.

Wycliffe and its strategic partner, SIL International, are in the process of implementing the panel’s recommendations. In a June 11 letter to Wycliffe, Greg Mundis, executive director of Assemblies of God World Missions, affirmed a restored relationship.

"Now that a resolution has been reached, AG World Missions can continue its longstanding working relationship with Wycliffe Bible Translators in providing God’s Word to the many millions who do not have it in their languages," Mundis wrote.

"We are confident that AG missionaries who are seconded to Wycliffe can continue to fulfill their obligation and commitment to essential Scriptural integrity in translation.”

Pray that the partnership will further Bible translation efforts.

“We highly value our partnership with the Assemblies of God and are grateful to them for reaffirming support for Wycliffe’s work,” said Bob Creson, president and CEO of Wycliffe USA.

“We praise God for the continued support of the global Church during the WEA review and our implementation of its recommendations.”