Capitol Echoes With Scripture During Bold Public Reading
Christians gathered outside the U.S. Capitol for the annual Bible Reading Marathon, a multi-day event dedicated to publicly reading Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Running for 90 continuous hours, the event began on Saturday and is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday. Participants take turns reading the Bible aloud, with no political commentary or interpretation, simply sharing Scripture. By Tuesday, readers had reached the Gospel of Matthew.
Keith Davidson, founder of Seedline International, the ministry organizing the event, said the goal is to refocus national attention on the Bible and the principles it represents. He noted that the public nature of the reading allows not only the participants to express their faith but also invites passersby to stop, listen, and reflect. On Monday alone, about 75 people paused to hear the readings. The event also includes a multilingual component, offering Bibles in over 100 languages and encouraging individuals to read in their native tongues.
This year, the Bible Reading Marathon also included a special session inside the Capitol in the Chaplain’s office, a tradition now in its second year. The marathon itself dates back to 1990, originally founded by John Hash and Corinthia Boone. Over the years, leadership of the event transitioned to Pastor Michael Hall and eventually to Davidson, who integrated it into Seedline International in 2019.
Teachers and students from Christ Chapel Academy in Virginia also participated, continuing a tradition dating back to the 1990s. Educators emphasized the value of allowing students to publicly live out their faith, with some students even praying with Capitol security. According to staff, the experience serves as a practical extension of their classroom teachings and a way to honor their beliefs.
Among the readers was Abe Silos of Gideons International, who expressed concern over the number of young Americans unfamiliar with the Bible. He stressed the importance of promoting Scripture in public life, noting that God’s Word provides meaning and guidance in a world filled with competing influences. Silos underscored the importance of elevating the Bible, citing its significance in shaping individual lives and national values.