Does The United Methodist Church designate an "official" version of the Bible?

The United Methodist Church does not have an "official" version or translation of the Bible. Only the General Conference can designate specific ritual texts or other liturgical or teaching resources as official. Rather United Methodists affirm the usefulness of a number of translations and versions as being helpful for study, teaching, memorization and other purposes, since each sheds a slightly different light in translating or paraphrasing the original languages and manuscripts. When it comes to United Methodist teaching resources published by The United Methodist Publishing House, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is the text endorsed by the General Board of Discipleship for curriculum. Curriculum writers, however, can consult other versions or quote from them when doing so strengthens the teaching resource.

"Which Translation of the Bible is Best?," by Rev. Gayle Felton, offers facts about all translations and describes the major translations.

"Which Bible Translation is Right for Me?"describes the various versions of the Bible and the types of differences between translations.

Cokesbury offers a Bible Translation Guide that list the translation method and translators, date, reading level and the theological perspective of the translation.