Bible Society and Resources Exhibitions Ltd (REL) have announced the Bible Society's acquisition of the series of six Christian Resources Exhibitions (CRE) owned by REL together with its franchised events overseas.

The handover will be effective from 1 June 2007 and CRE staff members are being closely consulted with a view to their role in further enhancing CRE's value to exhibitors and visitors alike.

Commenting on the sale to Bible Society, Gospatric Home said, "Handing on the ownership to Bible Society not only secures the long-term future of the events I've cherished for the last 23 years but places them in the hands of a well-established charity of huge status and history.

"Over 200 years ago, William Wilberforce, whose achievements in helping to abolish the slave trade we celebrate this month, was one of the founders of Bible Society."

Bible Society's Chief Executive James Catford explains, "There is a natural synergy between Bible Society and CRE because both are committed to resourcing the church and serving world mission. This makes our acquisition of CRE a natural step at a time when we are both experiencing considerable growth in every area of our respective activities - globally and here at home."

The incoming Executive Chairman of CRE is a respected name in the Christian world, Colin Saunders, who was the founder of Spring Harvest and its chairperson for 18 years and, until recently, executive director of Evangelical Alliance.

Responding to his appointment, Saunders said, "CRE has a highly strategic role to play in helping churches to discover the range of support available to them in today's challenging environment. With the additional resources of Bible Society, I am committed to seeing these events becoming of even greater benefit to all those who exhibit and the thousands who attend each year."

The annual National Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) is officially the country's 47th largest consumer exhibition.

The 23rd CRE is being held at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, from 15 to 18 May this year and will be opened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Dr Rowan Williams. It will be followed in August by the 9th Scottish Christian Resources Exhibition under a new title NEXUS Scotland 2007 to mark the partnership with the Glasgow Presbyteries of the Church of Scotland.