Now in its sixth year, the theme this year is ‘Always Be Ready’ from 1 Peter 3:15 – Always be Ready to give an answer for the hope that you possess.

Author John Waters addresses symposium for Ecumenical Bible Week in Dublin.

Symposium will include presentations by John Waters on ‘Taking us Back to the Father’, Rev Ginnie Kennerley on ‘The Family Today: Healing and Expansion in Christ’, and Nick Park on ‘Modern Family – Ancient Problems’.

It began in 2014 as an effort to tap into the ecumenical collaboration of IEC2012. The different traditions would read, pray and celebrate the Bible together over one week.

Christians in the Middle and Near East "endure and sustain unspeakable human suffering and degradation, intimidation and displacement" - Archbishop Michael Jackson.

"Many reflective Catholics are taking up the scriptures because there they find that nourishment that keeps them in a faithful relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit."

The focus is on the Bible but looked at from different perspectives using the lens of film, music, ethics and law.

Representatives of Ireland's main Christian churches will explore and study the application of the Word of God to life and culture through 32 events at 15 venues.

Six religious leaders speak about Bible's impact on their own personal experience.