Federal Minister for Education Brendan Nelson admits he does not read his Bible regularly, mainly doing so when times are tough, and regrets that others do not as well.

In an exclusive interview with Southern Cross, Dr Nelson paid testimony to the power of reading God’s word in public and the ability it has to impact people’s lives.

Dr Nelson was speaking during the six-day Bible reading marathon held at St Swithun’s, Pymble from 26 to 31 July called ‘Bible Aloud 200’.

He was joined by 240 other readers including Chief Justice of Australia, the Hon Murray Gleeson, Sky News newsreader, Leigh Hatcher and Bishop of North Sydney, Glenn Davies, who all read the Bible to help celebrate the Bible Society’s 200th anniversary.

“Not all people, sadly, read the Bible on a regular basis. I don’t, although I’ve heard it many times and I’ve read bits and pieces every now and again.” Dr Nelson said. “There have been times in my life when I’ve been in difficult circumstances myself. It’s often the case when you’re in strife or needing strength, you read certain passages.”

Dr Nelson believes hearing the Bible read aloud is helpful. “The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, is not easy stuff to read. Someone reading it aloud can bring new meaning and life to the content,” he said.

Event organiser, Christopher Clark, believes this is the first time the complete Contemporary English Version of the Bible had been read aloud in public in Australia.

Rector of St Swithun’s, the Rev Roger Chilton, says this public reading ‘made good sense’.

“We wanted to invite and involve the community to come and hear the Bible being read. If it’s not being read out there in the community, then it’s not able to change attitudes in the community or in people’s lives. It’s got to get out there,” he said.