|TOP|Two leading Christian charities have joined forces to bring brand new Bible resources specially created to give people with learning disabilities greater ease of access to the Bible.

Thanks to the new partnership between Scripture Union and Causeway PROSPECTS it will now be easier for the estimated 1.2 million people in the UK living with a learning disability to get into the Bible and learn about God.

According to Scripture Union, people with learning disabilities are currently underrepresented in the church and it is hoped the new Bible resource will encourage more to seek an active church life.

The new set of Bible Prospects books each contain 30 short Bible readings from the easy-to-read-version, simple notes to encourage understanding and response, and short prayers.

|QUOTE|The director of Causeway PROSPECTS, Tony Phelps-Jones, expressed his delight at the enormous potential that the joint release with Scripture Union holds.

“The Bible Prospects series is written at a level that people with learning disabilities can understand, and the applications are relevant to the circumstances they often find themselves in,” says Tony.

“We hope the books will be transforming, enabling people to find life in Christ, faith in Jesus and go on to grow in that faith.”

|AD|Lin Ball, Scripture Union’s Editor for Bible Resources believes the new series of Bible Prospects is useful for a wide range of people: “The Bible is a big book that many of us find daunting, but if you’re dyslexic, or if you’ve missed out on education, or English isn’t your first language, then reading the Bible becomes a tremendous hurdle.

"Bible Prospects is designed to help people in these situations access the Bible much easier."

John S Smith, former Director of Evangelical Alliance is hopeful that Bible Prospects will make it easier for more people with learning disabilities to get involved in church. “Scripture Union and Causeway PROSPECTS are to be commended for their pioneering work in making the Bible accessible to a wider range of readers,” says John.

“I hope the Bible Prospects series can lead to a greater provision for special needs and that it will play its part in establishing ‘Churches for All’.”