About the Bible Access Initiative
A comprehensive framework for assessing global Bible access and shortages.
Mission
A diverse coalition of organizations committed to Bible accessibility.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Bible Access List and the Initiative.
Contact Us
We invite the contributions of knowledge and perspective to this effort.
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver a research-driven global picture of Bible access and Scripture need, equipping and inspiring the Church to respond with wisdom, urgency, and impact.
What We Do
Strategic Research
We conduct comprehensive research to identify and rank countries based on Bible access restrictions and shortage levels. Our data-driven approach helps partners understand where the need is greatest and how to effectively allocate resources.
Global Collaboration
We bring together Bible societies, mission organizations, and funding agencies to coordinate efforts, share resources, and maximize impact through unified action rather than isolated initiatives.
Access Mapping
Our interactive Bible Access List provides data on restrictions, population statistics, and Bible availability across 88 countries, enabling informed decision-making for ministry partners.
The Challenge We Address
Millions of people worldwide face significant barriers to accessing God's Word due to:
- • Legal Restrictions: Countries where Bible import, printing, distribution, and ownership are prohibited or severely limited
- • Persecution: Regions where Christians face opposition, violence, and discrimination when they access a Bible
- • Infrastructure Challenges: Areas with limited internet access, poor logistics, and minimal electricity
- • Economic Barriers: Communities where poverty prevents Bible acquisition even when available
- • Language Gaps: Populations without Bible translated into their heart language
Our Approach
Restrictions Ranking
We analyze and rank countries based on the severity of Bible access restrictions, considering factors like legal barriers, and social opposition to Christianity.
Shortage Assessment
We evaluate Bible shortage levels by combining expressed need—those who want Bibles but don't have one—with ownership rates, translation availability, distribution infrastructure, and economic accessibility across different regions.
Partnership Network
The Bible Access Initiative brings together a diverse coalition of organizations united in their commitment to Bible accessibility:
Founding Partners
Open Doors International and Digital Bible Society established the initiative to create a unified platform for tracking and addressing global Bible access challenges.
Steering Partners
For BAL 2025, our steering partners are Bible League International, Frontlines International, Voice of the Martyrs, and Digital Bible Society who provide crucial financial support and strategic guidance.
Research & Contributing Partners
Organizations including Bible League Canada, Biblica, OneHope, and YouVersion contribute data, expertise, and resources to maintain comprehensive global insights.
Our Impact
Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, the Bible Access Initiative:
- Provides comprehensive data on Bible access challenges across 88 countries
- Enables strategic resource allocation to areas of greatest need
- Facilitates collaboration between organizations to prevent duplication of efforts
- Supports informed prayer and advocacy for those without access to a Bible
- Informs strategic Bible distribution through innovative digital and physical channels
Get Involved
Join us in our mission to ensure every person has access to God's Word. Whether through partnership, funding, research contribution, or volunteer support, your involvement can make a difference.
Our Commitment
"We believe that every person deserves access to the Bible in their heart language. Through collaborative research and strategic partnerships, we provide reliable data to inform those working to bring God's Word to those who need it most."