用于存储旧文本文档的正确XML应用程序（talmud，圣经等）

I am planning to set up a simple, but extensive database of old religious texts. I was wondering if anyone could suggest an existing XML compliant format for storing such documents. Preferably a simple one, easily transformed to xhtml. I've heard about TEI, but afaik, TEI is based on SGML and is not XML compliant. Thanks in advance, any input is welcome.I am planning to set up a simple, but extensive