In 2025, the Amity Printing Press and Amity Foundation, based in China, produced special Nicaea Creed commemorative Bibles, in honor of the 1700th anniversary of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. The foundation also celebrated its 40th anniversary of dedicating itself to supporting vulnerable communities, advancing education and health, promoting sustainable development, and fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Below, Amity Printing Press and Amity Foundation reflect on their ongoing work and latest innovative technology to make the Bible available and accessible to even more people.
What is the role of Amity Printing Press and Bible production?
Amity Printing Press and Amity Foundation: Co-established by Amity Foundation and the United Bible Societies, Amity Printing Company is currently the largest Bible printing enterprise in China and is one of the world's largest single-site Bible printing bases with an annual production capacity of approximately 30 million copies of hard-bound books. Amity Printing Company plays a vital role in both Bible supply and printing, setting technological standards in and outside of China.
By the end of April 2026, Amity had printed more than 290 million copies of the Bible, distributing to 158 countries and regions in nearly 280 languages. Among them, more than 100 million copies were in Chinese and ethnic minority language Bibles for China. In addition, 3,000 sets of Braille Bibles were produced for visually impaired readers.
As a technological benchmark in the industry, Amity Printing owns key and pioneering technologies including ultra-thin Bible paper printing, perfect binding, hardcover and deluxe binding, and has received international recognition with prestigious honors including the Benny Awards of USA and the China Print Awards.
Through its printing services, Amity Printing actively promotes printing and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, becoming an important bridge of China's cultural engagement internationally.
How do the Amity Printing Press and United Bible Societies work together? What is the shared vision and mission behind this collaboration?
Amity Printing Press and Amity Foundation: The partnership between Amity Printing and the United Bible Societies (UBS) is a remarkable collaboration spanning nearly four decades, beginning in 1988. When responding to the growing demand for Bibles in China, the United Bible Societies and the Amity Foundation jointly established Nanjing Amity Printing Company.
At the core of this partnership lies a shared vision: to ensure that everyone can have access to an affordable Bible, "to make the Bible available to people in every language," as stated as its mission by UBS.
As a global institution, UBS has provided strong support and credibility for Amity Printing, ensuring accuracy and integrity in Bible translation, publication, and distribution. In the early stages of Amity Printing, UBS also offered equipment, financial assistance, and technical expertise which has laid a solid foundation for Amity's development.
Were there some special processes the Amity Printing Press used to produce the commemorative Bible?
Amity Printing Press and Amity Foundation: Amity Printing adopts differentiated production processes according to the requirements of different Bible editions. In the production of Nicaea Creed Commemorative Bibles, particular emphasis is placed on flexibility and craftsmanship to meet unique design and printing needs. These refined processes ensure that the Bible is not only a sacred text, but also a collectible work of art.
The Nicaea Creed Commemorative Bible uses the Good News Bible from British and Foreign Bible Societies as the Bible version for the book block and is produced with ultra-thin Bible paper of 19 grams/m2. Though extremely light and thin, the paper is highly durable, tear-resistant, and prevents ink bleed-through, making the Bible portable and easy to carry.
The Nicaea Creed commemorative Bible uses zippered leather covers for enhanced texture and protection. The commemorative Bible also adopts premium finishing techniques: The edges of the pages are gilded, to create a dignified and elegant appearance.
How will the commemorative Bible foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue?
Amity Printing Press and Amity Foundation: As Rev. Jerry Pillay says in his congratulatory message to Amity Printing Company: This commemorative edition of the Bible is more than a publication; it is a spiritual resource and a symbol of shared commitment. Scripture lies at the heart of the church's life and witness. As the Scripture declares: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. Though we dwell in different lands, traditions, and cultures, the Word of God is a companion in the life of faith and a summons to serve. The legacy of Nicaea calls us to walk together as a global fellowship toward God's promised future of justice, reconciliation, and unity. Nicaea Creed Commemorative Bibles highlight important milestones, with their design, printing, and binding centered around uniqueness and cultural significance.
How has the Amity Printing Press, as a centre of global Bible printing, made the Bible accessible for so many people?
Amity Printing Press and Amity Foundation: Amity Printing has made the Bible accessible to people around the world through a combination of multilingual publishing, affordable pricing, global partnerships, and diverse formats.
Working closely with the United Bible Societies and other partners, Amity Printing has produced Bible editions in nearly 280 languages, serving people from different ethnic, linguistic, and geographical backgrounds.
By leveraging large-scale production and advanced thin-paper printing technology, Amity reduces production costs while maintaining affordable pricing principles.
Domestically, Amity ensures stable supply to churches and believers across China; internationally, it relies on global logistics networks—including sea freight, air freight, and China-Europe Railway Express services—to deliver Bibles to 158 countries and regions.
Amity produces both lightweight portable editions and deluxe commemorative editions, meeting a variety of needs, from daily devotion and study to cultural exchange and preservation.
Guided by the principle of spreading love and truth, and serving communities, Amity seeks to make the Bible widely accessible across geographical and social boundaries to promote peace and justice.
What can we pray for the Amity Printing Press as you continue your ministry?
Amity Printing Press and Amity Foundation: We would deeply appreciate prayers in the following areas as Amity Printing continues this ministry.
Pray for unity and fruitful cooperation between Amity Printing and partners such as the United Bible Societies, that mutual understanding and coordination may continue to grow, enabling smooth collaboration in Bible translation, production, and global distribution.
Pray that the Lord may lead Amity Printing and our partners to stand united as one. May understanding and fellowship deepen between us, that our ministries of cross-border collaboration, language translation coordination and global distribution may proceed unhindered, and that we may be bound together in one heart for His service.
Originally from the World Council of Churches
CCD reprinted with permission
