Presidential Message Commemorates 250 Years of the Bible in America

Nearly 500 Americans to participate in public reading of the entire Bible over one week

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:21am

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A close-up view of an antique Bible resting on a wooden table, with the book's worn leather cover and pages illuminated by warm, dramatic lighting, conveying the sacred text's enduring influence on American life.A timeless symbol of America's enduring spiritual foundations, the Bible remains a guiding light through the nation's triumphs and trials.Washington Today

This week, the President issued a message commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Bible's presence in America. The message celebrates the Bible's enduring influence on the nation's identity, government, education, and moral foundations since the country's founding. The President applauds the 'America Reads the Bible' initiative, a historic one-week event where leaders will read the entire Bible aloud to inspire citizens to rediscover its guiding truths.

Why it matters

The Bible has been woven into the fabric of American national identity since the country's founding. This commemoration underscores the sacred role Scripture has played in shaping the nation's values, institutions, and sense of purpose over the past 250 years. The public reading event aims to reignite religious faith and unity among citizens.

The details

The 'America Reads the Bible' initiative will feature nearly 500 Americans, including leaders in faith, government, business, and entertainment, reading aloud the entire Bible over the course of one week. This event marks the 250th anniversary of the Bible's presence in America, dating back to the arrival of the Mayflower and the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown. The President's message traces the Bible's profound influence, from the Founding Fathers' invocation of Scripture in the Declaration of Independence to its role in guiding the nation through pivotal moments like the Civil War and World War II.

  • The 'America Reads the Bible' initiative will take place this week.
  • The Bible has been present in America for 250 years since the country's founding.

The players

John Winthrop

A Puritan leader whose famous 'city upon a hill' sermon invoked the Bible's Sermon on the Mount, inspiring early American settlers.

George Washington

The first U.S. President, who set the precedent of taking the oath of office with his left hand on the Bible.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th U.S. President, who frequently quoted the Bible and invoked God's power during the Civil War.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

The 32nd U.S. President, who prayed for God's blessings as American troops prepared to land at Normandy during World War II.

Ronald Reagan

The 40th U.S. President, who proclaimed 1983 as the 'Year of the Bible' and celebrated the Bible's enduring influence on America.

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What they’re saying

“We must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us.”

— John Winthrop, Puritan leader

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States.”

— George Washington, First U.S. President

“The Bible contains the most profound Philosophy, the most perfect Morality, and the most refined Policy, that ever was conceived upon Earth.”

— John Adams, Second U.S. President

What’s next

The 'America Reads the Bible' initiative will take place over the course of one week, with hundreds of Americans reading the entire Bible aloud.

The takeaway

This commemoration underscores the enduring influence of the Bible on America's national identity, values, and institutions over the past 250 years. The public reading event aims to inspire citizens to rediscover the sacred truths that have guided the nation since its founding.