New World Record for Bible Writing on 7/7/07
A team of Christians set a new world record in handwriting the Bible on Saturday in an effort to mark the importance of the date 7/7/07.
Seventy-seven Christians ranging in profession – from priests to laity - and in age – from 11-77 - set a new world record for writing the Holy Bible in only 232 minutes on July 7 in Bhopal, India.
The team was led by local layperson Sunil Joseph, who in December 2005 had set a similar but personal record by writing the Bible in 123 days by himself.
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"This is an effort to spread the message of love in the Holy Bible for the unity and brotherhood of our country," said Joseph, according to Catholic Online. "It is also to encourage people to read the message of love embedded in the Holy Scripture."
Catholic Archbishop Dr. Pascal Topno of Bhopal and other local leaders oversaw the event, which began with a thanksgiving prayer for people who voted to make the Taj Mahal one of the seven modern wonders of the world.
After the opening prayer, Christians from diverse denominations began writing at 5 p.m. local time and ended at 7:32 p.m. with a common prayer, according to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.
"It is a historic movement of brotherhood among the Christians," said Topno, according to Indian Catholic news. "We are in Christ, our differences are nothing before the strong brotherhood feeling we have among us."
The event was organized by the Catholic Church to commemorate the significance of 7/7/07 – a day many Christians believe to be special.
Christians believe the number seven is the most complete number, pointing to Genesis 2:3 which says God set the seventh day apart as a special day because He had completed His creation.
Fr. Anand Muttungal, spokesperson for Catholic Church in Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, India, coordinated the event. According to him, the day is important because it is the most complete date, year and time of this century, according to Indian Muslims.
The "world record attempt is a sign of Christian unity in Madhya Pradesh," said Muttungal, according to Catholic Online. The "holy Bible is the symbol of love revealed through Lord Jesus Christ. So we celebrated this day by these efforts."
