Guatemala Fights to Keep Bible Day Alive as Court Threatens to Strike Down Historic Law

Guatemala's Evangelical Alliance Defends Bible Day Law as Constitutional Court Reviews Decree 5 2025

The Evangelical Alliance of Guatemala has issued a public statement in support of Decree 5 2025, the legislation that designates the first Saturday of August as National Bible Day. The decree, approved by Guatemala's Congress on August 12, 2025, with 110 out of 160 votes, is now under review by the Constitutional Court after a lawsuit challenged its constitutionality.

The alliance stated that the commemoration

"recognizes the cultural heritage of the Bible"

and called for respectful public debate within the framework of religious freedom and a secular state.

The evangelical group emphasized that Bible Day does not imply the establishment of an official religion but rather acknowledges the nation's cultural and ethical heritage. According to the alliance, for many Guatemalans, the Bible represents a source of values and social cohesion, with contributions extending beyond religious denominations.

The decree was introduced through an urgency procedure normally reserved for crises of national relevance. It seeks to recognize the historical, spiritual, and cultural impact of the Bible on Guatemalan society and promotes educational, civic, and cultural activities related to its content.

President Bernardo Arevalo stated he would not veto the law but expressed skepticism, noting:

"For the believer, every day is Bible Day. What matters is living its message, not making declarations in Congress."

Father Luis Rene Sandoval Quinteros, spokesperson for the Archdiocese, called the law "strange" given pressing national issues, adding that the Catholic Church already dedicates September to Scripture. He warned that state imposed religious commemorations risk blurring church and state separation.

According to Latinobarometro's 2023 survey, Guatemala's population is approximately 44% evangelical and 42% Catholic, making it one of the most evangelical nations in Latin America.

Constitutional Court to Decide the Future of Guatemala's National Bible Day Legislation

The Constitutional Court's ruling will determine whether National Bible Day remains public policy or if its legal framework will be modified. The Evangelical Alliance expressed confidence that the court will conduct a technical review in accordance with constitutional doctrine, respecting both religious freedom and the secular nature of the state.

The Crusader's Opinion

The Bible shaped Western civilization, period. It built the moral foundations of every free nation on earth. Guatemala's Congress recognized this reality with 110 votes, and now activists want to tear it down because they cannot tolerate even one day honoring the most published book in human history. Meanwhile, nations around the world celebrate holidays rooted in every other tradition without a word of protest. The hypocrisy is staggering. Christians must stop apologizing for their heritage and start defending it. If the Bible is merely "cultural," then so is every other national holiday. You cannot have it both ways.

Take Action

• Pray for Guatemala's Constitutional Court to uphold religious freedom and Decree 5 2025.
• Share this story on social media to raise awareness about the fight for Bible Day in Guatemala. Use the hashtags #BibleDay #Guatemala #ReligiousFreedom.
• Support evangelical ministries working in Latin America through World Evangelical Alliance.
• Contact your local church leadership about organizing a Bible Day observance in your own community.
• Support persecuted Christians worldwide through The Shepherd's Shield or Open Doors.