Anglican Communion News Service

[Anglican Encounter] A project begun in New South Wales in 1996 has seen 54,000 new mothers presented with a copy of Luke's Gospel. The scheme, run by the Mothers' Union and the Bible Society in Australia, has now been extended nationwide to mark the Millennium.

Mothers are presented with a copy of 'Born for You', which includes the Gospel according to St Luke in an attractive, readable format. The distribution takes place in hospitals all over Australia.

"The mission of the MU is to reach the homes of the nation for Christ," said Jan Livingstone, National President of the Mothers' Union. "Using the Gospel of Luke is an ideal way of doing this. We distribute the Gospel to people of all religious and cultural backgrounds. Rarely do we have anyone reject it."

Mrs Livingstone said that 20 of the 23 dioceses in Australia are participating in the distribution, and are working closely with the Bible Societies in their states.

"The cover of 'Born for You' is great for a multicultural country like Australia," said Mrs Livingstone. "It is a good size, easy to read and in an appropriate format. You can slip it in your handbag and carry it with you."