Bible Pathway Ministries looks at the issue of religious freedom in America.

By March 28, 2005

USA (MNN)–A tour of former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore’s famous Ten Commandments monument has concluded after 164 showings in 21 states.

The traveling Ten Commandments exhibit has sparked debate about the so-called ‘separation of church and state.’
Those questions bring up the issue of whether or not this year’s Bible Reading Marathons will face discrimination.

Aside from the expected hecklers, Bible Pathway’s Barbara Bivens says it’s an issue of freedom of religious expression. “The big thing is to tell them that it’s done on our nation’s Capitol. How are you going to say, in a little town, ‘You can’t do it’ if it can be done on the nation’s Capitol. That’s the strong point of the one in Washington DC–it’s a focal point for the whole country.”

The Bible Reading Marathon founder, Dr. John A. Hash, was convinced that the godless spirit that envelops the world was deeply rooted in its lack of knowledge of the Bible.

Since1990, believers have gathered on the steps of the nation’s Capitol for a continuous public reading (80 hours’ worth) from the Bible culminating with the National Day of Prayer.

Bible Reading Marathons have been held in such far corners of the world as Canada, England, France, Germany, India, Holland, Hungary, Mexico, Nigeria, New Zealand, Peru, Sweden, and Russia.

They have also been held throughout the United States — in town squares, on county courthouse steps, and at state capitols.

However, Bivens says the 2005 Bible Reading Marathon is taking a slightly different approach. “This particular year, National Day of Prayer is also Cinco de Mayo. We’re trying to reach out to the Hispanic people with the message that this is their opportunity to celebrate their freedom and also their freedom to read God’s Word and to pray in public venues.”

If you’d like to get involved, go to: http://www.internationalbiblereadingassociation.org.

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