US Resolution Introduced: National Bible Day, Sept. 12

Joint resolution H. J. RES. 118, designating September 12th as the National Day of the Bible, has been introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congressmen Michael Cloud (R-TX) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA).

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The date marks the anniversary of September 12, 1782, when the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, approved the first complete English-language Bible printed in America, known as the Aitken Bible—often referred to as “The Bible of the Revolution.”

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“This resolution offers an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual foundation and enduring values that helped shape our Republic,” say Reps. Cloud and Thompson.

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Cedarville University says its page from the Aitken Bible “measures about 6 inches by 4 inches, making the Bible small enough to fit into the pocket of a Continental Army soldier. The text from the King James Version on these two pages [in the University’s library] is from 1 Corinthians 7:1 to 8:7.”

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The resolution:

• Designates September 12th as the National Day of the Bible and directs the President to annually issue its proclamation
• Recognizes the Aitken Bible not only as a religious text, but as a symbol of America’s resilience and commitment to self-governance
• Encourages schools, civic institutions, and communities to observe the day with programming that highlights the Bible’s significance in America’s history.

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“More than any other source, our Founders cited Scripture as the source for the principles upon which our nation is established. Today we’re seeing renewal in our culture and a return to the values that once anchored us,” says Congressman Cloud.

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He continues, “This week I’m introducing a resolution to recognize September 12th as the National Day of the Bible—243 years after Congress approved the 1,452-page Aitken Bible. Marking this day reminds us that the Bible is not only the bedrock of our liberty, but the living Word of God that continues to guide us as a People.”

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“The Bible is a source of hope and encouragement for Christians around the world,” Rep. Thompson says. “I am proud to introduce this resolution observing September 12th as ‘The Day of the Bible,’ honoring when the US Congress in Philadelphia approved the first English Bible printed in America in 1782. Since then, scores of Americans have found strength, guidance, and meaningful discernment of God’s Word in its pages.”

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According to Museum of the Bible, Robert Aitken “was born in Scotland and immigrated to Philadelphia in 1769, where he worked as a bookseller and publisher. In 1781, near the end of the American Revolution, he petitioned Congress to support his plans to print a Bible in English. The British government had long regulated the publication of English Bibles, forcing colonists to import them from Britain or Europe. The war subsequently created a shortage in the colonies. Congress endorsed Aitken’s Bible when it was completed in 1782.” The Library of Congress says, “It remains the only edition of the Bible authorized by Congress.”

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The resolution is supported by a coalition of organizations including the American Principles Project, Family Policy Alliance Foundation, Family Research Council, First American Bible Project, HOPE to the Hill, Intercessors for America, National Association of Christian Lawmakers, National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), and WallBuilders.

Also see: Bring Your Bible to School Day, October 2, 2025, sponsored by Focus on the Family.

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