Close to 500 people are participating in a seven-day biblical Scripture reading marathon at Washington D.C.’s Museum of the Bible, celebrating two and a half centuries of biblical influence in American history.
The program, called “America Reads the Bible,” takes place from April 18-25, with continuous readings scheduled from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day after an opening ceremony on Saturday evening. Over 100 ministries along with prominent figures from government, media, and entertainment are participating in this comprehensive effort.
Christians Engaged, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing biblical knowledge and civic engagement, is coordinating the event. The group’s founder and president, Bunni Pounds, explained that this project has been in planning stages for over two years and aims to inspire Americans to reconnect with biblical teachings.
Readers representing various sectors including government, academia, business, arts, and religious communities are taking part in the public Scripture presentations, which are being amplified through national television coverage, ministry partnerships, and local community events.
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to provide a pre-recorded reading of 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, filmed from the Oval Office. Event coordinators noted this particular biblical passage was chosen specifically for Trump because of its historical significance as a prayer appeal within American tradition.
During the opening ceremony, actress Patricia Heaton addressed the audience, making reference to the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel and advocating for stronger bonds between Christian and Jewish communities.
“Two years later, October 7 happened, and I looked out and said, ‘Why isn’t the whole world in an outrage about what happened?’” Heaton said.
She explained that the attack motivated her to join forces with others in taking action.
“We created this organization … helping Christians and Jews come together and stand up for Judeo-Christian values,” she said.
Event organizers characterize this initiative as both a national Scripture-reading gathering and a wider movement designed to strengthen faith’s presence in American public discourse as the country approaches its 250th birthday.
