"I congratulate those who have put together this extraordinary work. I congratulate those who have seen fit to assemble a version of the Bible which draws starkly to people's attention the challenge of Micah, the challenge of John, the challenge facing us all as an informed community of faith," said Mr Rudd.
The Poverty and Justice Bible uses the Contemporary English Version of the Bible and highlights in orange over 2,000 verses that deal with the issues of poverty and justice.
"When you actually flip through this, as I did last night at The Lodge, and see the extraordinary shadings of orange all the way though, it catches your eye, and I'm sure that's what those who have put together this particular edition of the Bible have had in mind," Mr Rudd said.
Speaking at the launch, Tim Costello from World Vision said, "It was US pastor and writer Rick Warren who laid the foundations for The Poverty and Justice Bible.
He'd discovered that there were 2,000 verses on poverty – and couldn't believe he'd never noticed before," Mr Costello said.
From this initial idea, a team of Bible Society researchers read the CEV to identify every verse that's specific about God's take on social injustice. These range from Old Testament prophecies to Jesus' radical teachings. "This Bible is proof that, on issues of social justice, God has plenty to say," said Mr Costello.
In his address at the launch, Leader of the Opposition, Mr Turnbull challenged Australians to act to relieve poverty and suffering.
"I come to you today with a slightly different approach. My challenge is directed to all Australians: that if you believe strongly in justice, then you should act to alleviate poverty and suffering, give something of yourself to others. You can donate, you can give money and we should all do that when we can, and of course there are various ways to do this, but it is also important to support the work of organisations who are on the ground, working in poor communities to give them food, water, skills for life, but also hope," Mr Turnbull said.
The Poverty and Justice Bible also contains endorsements from Church and community leaders including US based Jim Wallis, Christian activist and author and Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue, Australian Aboriginal leader. A companion journal is also available.
On the web: www.povertyandjusticebible.org.au