Spanish LDS Scriptures Available Online

More than 3.9 million Spanish-speaking members of the Church can now study the LDS triple combination on the Internet in their native tongue. The Spanish version of the LDS Scriptures Internet Edition was released by the Church in September 2006, at http://scriptures.lds.org/es.

Ronald Schwendiman, manager of Internet Coordination, says the Spanish version has footnotes, study helps, maps, photographs, and the ability to mark scriptures.

“The ability to access scriptures online helps in preparing for lessons and in personal scripture study,” Brother Schwendiman said.

Since the release of the English LDS Scriptures Internet Edition in 2001, millions of members have benefited from its accessibility and convenience. Brother Schwendiman said the Internet scriptures receive more than 4.5 million visits in a month, from about 350,000 visitors.

The English Internet edition saw increased traffic during the end of 2005, after President Gordon B. Hinckley challenged members to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year.

Kai Andersen, product manager, said the implementation of languages on the Internet required “mature technologies.” He said the 18-month project involved preparing a faster interface to handle new languages and new Web site visitors. Extensive proofreading also ensured the accuracy of the text.

Brother Schwendiman said the Internet edition of the Spanish Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and Guide to the Scriptures is just one step in providing all members with a positive Web site experience.

“Our focus was getting the Spanish scriptures up while preparing other Web site content, such as the Gospel Library, for translation,” he said. “We want more content for international members. We want them to have the entire Web site experience.”

The Church Curriculum Department is currently working on Internet editions of the scriptures in German, Italian, French, and Portuguese. More languages are in the planning stage.