Rev. George Varughese (Shaji Karackal)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2026) — Hundreds of national leaders, elected officials, faith figures, and everyday Americans have gathered at the Museum of the Bible this week for “America Reads the Bible,” a historic seven-day public reading of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. The event, running April 19–25, is organized by Christians Engaged in partnership with more than 100 ministries and is being livestreamed nationwide on Great American Pure Flix. It coincides with the opening celebration on April 18 and aims to mark America’s upcoming 250th anniversary by highlighting the Bible’s role in the nation’s foundations.
More than 475 participants are taking turns reading aloud from the KJVER (King James Version Easy Read) translation on the Museum’s World Stage Theater, with daily sessions from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Organizers describe it as potentially the largest continuous Bible reading in American history, blending spoken Scripture with an accompanying art exhibit portraying the Messiah across all 66 books.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to participate on Tuesday, April 21, delivering a recorded reading from the Oval Office of 2 Chronicles 7:11–22 — a passage that includes the well-known call in verse 14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Organizers intentionally reserved this section as a timely message for national reflection.
The initiative comes as the American Bible Society’s 2026 State of the Bible report shows a complex picture: while active weekly Bible engagement has leveled off near 2024 levels after a 2025 uptick, openness to Scripture has grown. Nearly half of U.S. adults say they have read at least half the Bible in their lifetime, and the “Bible-curious” segment has increased by about 9 million people since 2024. Printed Bibles remain the most common format, though digital access is also strong.
Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged and the event’s visionary, said the week is inspired by the biblical story of Nehemiah and serves as a call to rediscover America’s spiritual roots. “This is more than an event — it’s a return to the unchanging Word of God in the nation’s capital,” she noted. The full Bible is being proclaimed without commentary, allowing the text to speak for itself. Viewers at home are encouraged to follow along, host watch parties, or commit to personal Bible reading. As the readings continue through Saturday, April 25, organizers hope the collective proclamation will spark renewed interest in Scripture and reflection on the nation’s heritage ahead of its 250th birthday. For the live schedule, in-person tickets, or to join the livestream, visit AmericaReadsTheBible.com.
