The opening ceremony of "America Reads the Bible" began with a moment that was both patriotic and deeply reverent, setting the tone for what organizers are calling a historic week for Scripture in the public square. Leeland Mooring and Jack Mooring took center stage to deliver a stirring rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," marking the official kickoff of the nationwide Bible reading event.
Held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., the ceremony drew attendees from across the country, along with thousands more tuning in via livestream. As the first notes of the national anthem filled the venue, the atmosphere quickly shifted into one of reflection and unity-blending faith and national identity in a way that resonated with the event's purpose.
Leeland Mooring, known globally as the frontman of the Grammy Award-nominated worship band Leeland, was joined by his brother Jack Mooring, a former band member and now founding pastor of Celebration of Life Church in Nashville. Together, the duo brought both musical excellence and spiritual depth to the moment, bridging their shared history in worship music with a broader national stage.
Their participation didn't end with the opening ceremony. According to the official schedule, Leeland and Jack Mooring are also leading worship during the Sunday morning session (April 19, 9-10 AM EST), covering Genesis 1-15 as part of the continuous reading of Scripture. The event itself spans from April 18 to April 25, 2026, with the ambitious goal of publicly reading the entire Bible-from Genesis to Revelation-without interruption.
Jack Mooring, now also a songwriter signed with Integrity Music, brings a unique pastoral voice to the gathering. Living in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife Whitney and their five children, Mooring's journey from touring musician to church leader adds a layer of authenticity to his involvement in an event centered on Scripture and spiritual renewal.
Organized as part of the celebration leading up to America's 250th birthday, "America Reads the Bible" is designed to encourage biblical unity and reflection across denominations and communities. The event features hundreds of participants, including pastors, artists, and public figures, each taking part in reading portions of Scripture live on stage.
The decision to open with the national anthem was more than ceremonial-it symbolized a connection between faith and the nation's spiritual heritage. For many in attendance, the combination of worship leaders singing a patriotic song at a Bible-centered event created a powerful reminder of the role faith has played in shaping personal and collective identity.
As the readings continue throughout the week, moments like this opening ceremony are already defining the tone of the initiative. It's not just about reading Scripture-it's about bringing people together around a shared foundation of faith, even in a time often marked by division.
With livestream access expanding the event's reach globally, "America Reads the Bible" is quickly becoming more than a local gathering-it's a movement inviting individuals everywhere to reconnect with God's Word. And if the opening ceremony is any indication, it's a week that will continue to spark both conversation and spiritual reflection.
Watch live at americareadsthebible.com or Great American Pure Flix
