Transforming lives with Good News in the Nation’s Capital

Press Release: Annual U.S. Capitol Bible Marathon Begins Saturday

Apr 20, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The 34th annual U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon begins on Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m. ET and will continue through Wednesday, April 26 at 10 a.m. ET., as hundreds of participants read the Bible in many different languages from Genesis through Revelation for 90 continuous hours on Capitol Hill.

The Bible Reading Marathon is open to the public to participate and will take place on the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol. An approval from House and Senate leadership was required to hold this 24-hour event. Seedline International will provide the incredible technical infrastructure to facilitate the Bible Reading Marathon.

The U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon was established in 1990 by Dr. John Hash and Dr. Corinthia Boone. Vonette Bright, the co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, served as the co-chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force and Chairman Emeritus of America’s National Prayer Committee. Bright helped facilitate the vision for the U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon and encouraged Dr. Boone to hold the event around the time of the National Day of Prayer. In 1990, Dr. Boone took a group of 30 pastors and went on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Each reader would hold a carnation as he read God’s Word and then passed the flower to the next participant.
 
Faith & Liberty Vice President Peggy Nienaber and Dr. Corinthia Boone

There are still available time slots to participate in the reading of God’s Word. Sign up by calling Patty Bills at 202-737-1776.

There will be updated videos posted on Faith & Liberty’s Facebook page during the event.

This year in conjunction with the Bible Reading Marathon, Faith & Liberty will host the first Congressional Bible reading in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, April 25.  This will give members an opportunity to read the Bible in the House of Representative’s Chaplain’s office while votes are happening just steps away on the floor.
Faith & Liberty Vice President Peggy Nienaber said, “The U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon celebrates the power of God’s Word, and the right of all Americans to exercise their freedom to religiously express themselves. Every year, it is such a privilege to participate in the reading of God’s Word as it flows throughout Capitol Hill, especially during this time as the nation grapples with uncertainty and unrest. The Bible is the foundation of America, and within those pages, we find the only answer for hope for this nation.”
 
Faith & Liberty Vice President Peggy Nienaber

Faith & Liberty is an evangelistic ministry, taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nation’s top elected and appointed officials. Faith & Liberty accomplishes its mission through building personal relationships with individuals serving in government, distributing Scripture and informative materials, and staging special events such as panel discussions, Bible studies, news conferences, seminars, prayer, worship, and church services.

TAKE ACTION