Anticipation continues to rise nationwide as preparations accelerate for America Reads the Bible, a week-long Scripture-reading event set for April 18–25, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Designed to mark America’s 250th birthday, the initiative invites people across the nation to join a public reading of the entire Bible — Genesis to Revelation — in a unified call to return to the spiritual foundation that has shaped our country.
For more than two years, Christians Engaged founder and president Bunni Pounds has carried the vision for a nationwide Scripture-reading movement and has now stepped out in faith to join with ministries, churches, and leaders across America to bring it to life.
As one of the supporting sponsors, PA Family Institute is honored to help elevate this historic effort and connect Pennsylvanians to a moment that seeks to re-center Scripture in the life of our nation.
A Movement with Ancient Roots
The heartbeat of this event echoes a powerful moment recorded in Nehemiah 8. After years of rebuilding, the people of Israel gathered in a public square and asked Ezra the priest to bring out the Book of the Law. Ezra read aloud for hours as the people stood, listened intently, raised their hands, answered “Amen,” bowed in worship, and wept as God’s Word pierced their hearts. Teachers moved among them, explaining Scripture so everyone could understand.
It was a spiritual turning point. It became a national renewal sparked by the public reading of Scripture.
We believe America needs a similar moment today. Just like Ezra stood and read the Word to a nation in need of revival, we’re inviting you to gather with us to do the same in our time.
This call mirrors the spirit of Nehemiah 8:1–12, urging the nation, and our great Commonwealth, to hear, understand, and rediscover the truth that still anchors us.
Pennsylvania Voices Will Contribute
PA Family Institute is delighted that several of our own influential Pennsylvanians will serve as featured Scripture readers during the 7-day livestream event.
Confirmed participants include:
- Judge (ret.) Cheryl Allen – a respected voice for justice, shaped by Scripture.
- Pastor J. Anthony Gilbert – a Pittsburgh pastor known for his call to revival and spiritual awakening.
- Pastor Joe Watkins – pastor, commentator, and civic leader with decades of service.
- Factivist Ryan Bomberger – Pennsylvania native and co-founder of The Radiance Foundation, widely recognized for his pro-life and pro-family advocacy.
More Pennsylvania readers will be announced as the event approaches.
These leaders will join voices from government, education, business, the arts, and the Church, along with everyday citizens, in reading the Bible aloud from the nation’s capital.
A National Week of Scripture and Renewal
America Reads the Bible is not merely an event but a movement. Through live readings, national broadcasts, watch parties, and discipleship partnerships, Christians Engaged hopes to remind the nation that lasting renewal begins with a return to God’s Word.
The theme — One Nation. One Week. One Book. — captures the straightforward but profound aim of the project: calling Americans back to the Bible as we celebrate 250 years of national history.
Every hour of the reading will be livestreamed, and churches and families are encouraged to host gatherings in their communities.
Preparing for April 2026
With months still to go, we are inviting churches, families, and individuals to get involved early. Spreading the word, planning watch parties, and praying for the event are vital steps as the nation prepares for a historic moment of unity and Scripture.
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, America Reads the Bible stands as a spiritual celebration of our founding ideals and a public declaration that hope and renewal begin with the Word of God.
More information and updates are available at AmericaReadsTheBible.com.
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