Joint Resolution Seeks to Designate September 12th Annually as 'The Day of the Bible'

This joint resolution is short, sweet, and entirely focused on making September 12th a federally recognized day: "The Day of the Bible." The purpose is to honor the historical and cultural influence of the Bible in the United States. Specifically, it ties this date back to September 12, 1782, when the Continental Congress officially approved the printing of the first English Bible in America—a version called the Aitken Bible—a move the resolution frames as a symbol of national unity during the Revolutionary War.

The Presidential Proclamation Requirement

So, what does a joint resolution like this actually do in the real world? It doesn't change tax law or build infrastructure. Instead, it’s about official recognition and encouragement. The biggest concrete action here is that it requires the President to issue an annual proclamation designating September 12th as this day. Think of it like the annual proclamation for Thanksgiving or Flag Day—it formalizes the recognition at the highest level of government. For busy people, this means September 12th will officially be marked on the calendar as a day to reflect on the Bible's historical role in American life and values like justice and compassion.

Encouraging Participation: Who’s Organizing?

Beyond the presidential requirement, the resolution also encourages schools, community groups, and civic organizations to hold "appropriate programs and activities" to observe the day. This is where things get a little fuzzy. The term "appropriate" is wide open for interpretation, which leaves a lot of discretion to local organizers—whether that’s your local library, a community center, or even the school district your kids attend. For parents and community members, this means local entities might start organizing events that focus on the Bible’s historical significance.

The Line Between History and Endorsement

While the resolution focuses heavily on the historical milestone of the Aitken Bible, the core effect is the federal establishment of a day recognizing a specific religious text. For many citizens, this is a welcome affirmation of cultural heritage. However, for non-Christian religious groups or secular citizens, this federal endorsement of one religious book might feel exclusionary. It raises the perennial question of where the line sits between commemorating a historical moment involving Congress and appearing to endorse a specific faith tradition. If you’re running a civic organization or managing a public school, you might feel a subtle pressure to participate in activities that some community members could perceive as proselytizing, even if the intent is purely historical.