Nearly 500 Christian leaders will gather April 18-25 in Washington, D.C., for America Reads the Bible, a week-long event spotlighting Scripture’s role in the broader “American story” as the U.S. approaches its 250th birthday.
According to a March 26 press release from Great American Pure Flix, which is livestreaming the event, it will take place at the Museum of the Bible and feature continuous readings from Genesis to Revelation under the theme “One Week. One Nation. One Book.”
The release says the event’s format “draws from a consistent pattern found in Scripture: public reading as a catalyst for revival.”
“Organizers point to moments in the Old Testament — such as the leadership of King Josiah and the readings led by Ezra and Nehemiah — when the declaration of God's Word preceded repentance and restoration,” the release adds.
Bunni Pounds, founder and president of Christians Engaged, a Christian civic organization promoting prayer and public engagement, organized the event to encourage discipleship and call the nation back to its spiritual heritage.
Pounds said the initiative began after a 2019 visit to the Museum of the Bible and has since grown into a broader movement centered on Scripture and long-term spiritual renewal.
"When America honored Scripture, we flourished,” Pounds said. “When we sidelined it, we lost our way. No policy can ultimately address the condition of the human heart. This is an invitation to return to something deeper."
Scheduled readers include Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy; U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee; Dallas Jenkins, executive producer of “The Chosen”; Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; Republican Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen; Alveda King; and President and CEO of CatholicVote Kelsey Reinhardt.
Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media, the parent company of Great American Pure Flix, described the event as a “rare moment of unity.”
“At a time when we are approaching our nation's 250th birthday, it is important to remember the biblical principles that helped shape America from the very beginning,” he said in the release. “We believe this week will reignite a deeper engagement with Scripture long after the final passage is read.”
The organizers are expecting thousands of people to view the event, either in person and online.