Nearly 500 faith leaders and advocates are expected to gather in Washington, D.C., to read the entire Bible aloud ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, according to an April 15 announcement from event organizers.
The gathering is part of America Reads the Bible, a national Scripture-reading event and movement led by Christians Engaged. The organization describes itself as committed “to discipling Americans on biblical worldview and their responsibilities as citizens to pray, vote, and engage for the well-being of our nation.”
From April 19–25, speakers from various backgrounds—including some Catholics—will meet at the Museum of the Bible to read aloud from the King James Version of the Bible. Organizers say this is intended “as a spiritual celebration of our nation’s founding ideals and a call to rediscover the truth that still anchors us today.” The event draws inspiration from the Hebrew book of Ezra where public reading sparked national repentance and renewal.
An opening celebration is scheduled for April 18 with leaders from more than 100 national ministries beginning to gather for what will be a weeklong recitation. Reading sessions will run daily at the museum from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., aiming to complete reading through all books within one week. Attendance is open both in person—with registration required—and via live online streaming.
Speakers include actors, lawmakers, pro-life advocates, entertainers, ministry leaders, and representatives from Catholic organizations such as Catholic Book Publishing and CatholicVote. Notable participants listed include Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy; Texas Governor Greg Abbott; U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Chuck Grassley; Representatives Ashley Hinson and Mike Simpson; Marjorie Dannenfelser; Abby Johnson; Patricia Heaton; Candace Cameron Bure; Dean Cain; David Hunt; Bunni Pounds (event organizer); Steve Green (Museum chair); Kelsey Reinhardt (CatholicVote president); Pete Hegseth (Secretary of Defense); Brooke Rollins (Secretary of Agriculture), among others.
The initiative highlights ongoing efforts by religious groups to mark significant moments in American history through faith-based activities.
