A dispute has arisen in Bujumbura over the circulation of approximately 45,000 Bibles bearing the logo of the Happy Valley Pentecostal Church of Burundi.
The Bibles, written in Kirundi and identified as the 1967 version, do not carry the logo of the Burundi Bible Society, which claims to hold the copyright.
Contacted by The Baptist Chronicle, Reverend Jonas Ndayiragije, the Executive Director of Burundi Bible Society, confirmed it is aware of the Bibles in circulation.
“They are not from the Bible Society. It is a church that alleged copyright violation. We are the ones who hold the copyright,” declared Rev Ndayiragije.
He pointed out Happy Valley Pentecostal Church of Burundi to be the one who is distributing those Bibles.
He added that the society is currently verifying whether any chapters, verses, or books have been removed from the text.
Rev Ndayiragije also announced that legal action is being considered. He issued a public appeal and warned churches and Christians not to buy those Bibles.
“In the meantime, churches should be informed not to buy them.” Rev Ndayiragije said.
SIMILAR : In Burundi, the bible has become a luxury
The Baptist Chronicle contacted the leadership of Happy Valley Pentecostal Church of Burundi to obtain a response.
In a WhatsApp message, Anicet Niyongabo, the church’s legal representative, said:
“The Bibles that we have are distributed free of charge to our members.”
He also cautioned the press against involving itself in the matter.
When asked about the origin of the Bibles, whether authorization had been obtained from the Burundi Bible Society for printing and distribution, and whether the content matched existing editions, the legal representative, Niyongabo,. did not respond to those specific points.
Beyond the copyright dispute, sources expressed concern about the potential impact on its operations.
“With the low price of these Bibles and the absence of the logo of the Bible Society, they could flood the market. The Bible Society could be forced to close,” a church partner within the Society told The Baptist Chronicle.
Sources allege that Happy Valley Pentecostal Church used an electronic version of the Bible that had previously been entrusted to the Bible Society of Burundi.
Distribution has reportedly already begun. Sources say 50 newly ordained pastors received these Bibles as gifts during an ordination service held Sunday at Beloved Church in Bujumbura.
What’s at Stake
The case raises two central issues for Burundian Christians: the integrity of Scripture, and the future of the only institution officially mandated to publish the Bible in Kirundi.
Copyright over Bible translations in Burundi is a sensitive matter, as the Burundi Bible Society has long been recognized as the official publisher and distributor of the Kirundi Bible.
Price is also a point of confusion. According to testimonies gathered by The Baptist Chronicle, the Bibles in question are being sold or distributed at 25,000 BIF, compared to more than 30,000 BIF and up to 45,000 BIF, depending on the edition or format, for the same Kirundi Bibles sold through the Burundi Bible Society.
The Society’s warning comes amid broader concerns over the authenticity and integrity of Scripture reaching congregations across the country.
The Baptist Chronicle has reached out to both parties for further comment and will continue to follow this story as it develops.
Actually, the Burundi Bible Society is the officially mandated publisher and distributor of the Kirundi Bible, producing Scripture in print, audio, visual, and Braille formats, and distributing it through its bookshop, a nationwide network of Bible agents, and an online shop. Its work also includes translation including the 1967 and 2018 Kirundi Bible editions and an in-progress Kirundi Study Bible as well as engagement programs such as trauma healing and reconciliation initiatives, the Faith Comes by Hearing program, and adult literacy classes.
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