Pennsylvania lawmakers propose state holiday honoring Bible

The legislators hope to establish “The Day of the Bible” as an annual holiday in Pennsylvania. State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz on Monday called for a Sept. 12 holiday recognizing the Bible’s long-standing influence on the culture, morality, and civic life of Pennsylvania and the United States. The holiday would also commemorate the Keystone State’s historic role in publishing and preserving the Bible, according to her statement. Citizens, schools, and institutions would be encouraged to reflect on the Bible’s role in promoting justice, compassion, and redemption, she added. State Sen. Doug Mastriano intends to introduce the same resolution in the state’s upper chamber.

Why September 12th? Both lawmakers cited Sept. 12, 1782, as the day the U.S. Congress met in Philadelphia and authorized the first English-language Bible for printing in America. The Aitken Bible, dubbed The Bible of the Revolution, represented how foundational ideas of liberty and faith were bonded together, according to the lawmakers. The Aitken Bible’s endorsement by Congress showed how deeply rooted spiritual values were in our republic’s formation, according to the lawmakers’ statements.

The American Bible Society last year closed a historical center it had in Philadelphia, citing structural limitations at the site, and COVID lockdown orders shortly after the center’s May 2021 closure. 

Dig deeper: Read Marvin Olasky’s report on the morality and religious influence of George Washington as an American leader.