In a press conference with Mayor Nutter, the American Bible Society (ABS) announced this morning that they will be relocating their headquarters to Philadelphia. Their new residence will be found at 401 Market Street in the historic district as early as this summer.

ABS is one of the nation’s oldest nonprofits. Founded in 1816, the organization has operated out of New York City for the last 199 years, and will celebrate their bicentennial anniversary next year in their new home city.

One of the main goals of the worldwide Christian ministry is to translate the Bible into every language.

Alan Greenberger, deputy mayor for economic development and director of commerce in Philadelphia, helped solidify ABS’ new home in Philly. He introduced the organization’s CEO Roy Peterson, Mayor Michael Nutter, and other speakers at the conference this afternoon.

Greenberger expects ABS to bring new economic opportunities for the city. But while APS will bring with it some 200 jobs, most of the employees will be relocating from the New York City and Valley Forge offices.

Will ABS open up more job opportunities in the future?

“I don’t know,” Greenberger said. “It depends on their growth curve. It also depends somewhat on how many of their current staff choose to relocate.”

More so than anything else, he believes that the ABS’ presence will be “a powerful new attraction” at Independence Mall, drawing tourists for longer stays and bringing new visitors for events like Bible conferences.

ABS is a non-denominational Christian organization. Speakers were requested at the conference from both the Catholic Church and the Salvation Army, a Protestant organization. Will the organization support interfaith dialogue with Philadelphia’s more diverse religious communities?

“The Bible is a book with relevance to many faiths,” Greenberger said. “One of their goals in the new space is to host conferences and seminars, so expect that in the future.”

When asked if there was potential evangelical missions involved with the move, Greenberger said only that ABS’ mission is to promote the Bible.