July 7, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Thomas Nelson Publishers, the largest Christian publisher in the world and the seventh largest trade-book publisher in the United States, is excited to announce a partnership with singer-songwriter legends Bill and Gloria Gaither to create a Bible that will inspire hope through scripture, song and story.

Scheduled to release in August 2012, the Gaither Homecoming Bible will be a collaboration of Gaither Homecoming artists throughout the years, with Gloria Gaither serving as managing editor.

"For decades the Gaithers have reached millions of people across generations, with their music of joy, thanksgiving and praise ushering listeners into the presence of God," says Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President and Bible Group Publisher with Thomas Nelson. "They inspire hope through scripture, story and song, and we hope to capture that spirit of inspiration in this Bible." The Gaither Homecoming Bible will feature personal inspirational experiences with the scriptures, from Bill and Gloria Gaither as well as the Homecoming artists and those closely involved with their music ministry through the years. Included in the pages of this Bible will be carefully selected favorite hymns, gospel songs, and songs by Bill and Gloria Gaither. Also included will be statements by great historical and contemporary Christian writers, theologians, and thinkers about the part music has played in their own spiritual journeys.

The Bible will release under the Thomas Nelson's Signature Series brand of premium Bibles in the popular New King James Version (NKJV).

Gloria Gaither says, "We have found the Word of God to be a living, vital force in our real, walking-around lives. It is our hope that the stories and experiences we and the Homecoming family of singers, writers and musicians share will encourage and inspire others to take seriously the Bible's claim to be light for our path, a shield from negative forces, a sharp sword when we feel attacked, sweet honey in our mouths, and a dependable guide for life's journey. Most of all we hope a developing love for the Scriptures will lead those who read it to the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life."

The Gaithers have produced more than 700 songs, hundreds of recordings, a dozen musicals, and a collection of books for both children and adults. In affirmation of Bill and Gloria's contribution to the great pool of treasured gospel music, they have been awarded many Grammy and Dove Awards, the ASCAP Songwriters of the Century Award. They have been inducted into the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame and into the Gospel Music Hall Association Hall of Fame and Museum. The Bill Gaither Trio and the Gaither Vocal Band have also won numerous awards. "Partnering with the Gaithers will enable us to reach out to millions more around the world with God's Word," says Davidson. "We are passionate about making a difference – and so are the Gaithers. God has blessed us by bringing them into our family. We look forward to a long-lasting partnership that will create new legacies for generations to come." Founded in 1798, Nashville-based Thomas Nelson Publishers is one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world, the largest publisher of King James Bibles and the proprietary publisher of New King James Bibles. The Gaither Bible will be published in the New King James Version, the best Bible translation for accuracy, beauty and clarity. More than 60 million NKJV have been sold in 30 years, making it the top-selling translation after the original King James Version. Thomas Nelson Inc. is a leading provider of Bibles, products and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family-value themes. Visit http://www.ThomasNelsonBibles.com/, and http://www.NKJVBible.com/, for more information.

Thomas Nelson Publishers