Trump to participate in marathon Bible reading

Trump to participate in marathon Bible reading12 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMax MatzaGetty ImagesTrump seen holding a Bible during his 2016 campaign for presidentUS President Donald Trump will participate in a marathon Bible reading session organised by Christian conservatives, against the backdrop of his rift with the Pope and his recent posting of an image that appeared to depict him as a Jesus-like figure.Trump will read from 2 Chronicles on Tuesday night, as part of the "America Reads the Bible" event at the Museum of the Bible in Washington.The passage is often invoked by Christian conservatives in the US, and is interpreted to be a call for citizens to repent and for God to bless the nation.Numerous public figures are participating in the week-long continuous reading of the entire Bible that started 18 April.The US Constitution bars the government from establishing a national religion, however, the Trump administration has embraced a movement in the country to see Christianity as a key part the founding of the US and for leaders to follow the Bible. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, for example, cites passages in his press briefings and also leads prayers in his department.During the week-long reading event, which is timed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence, other prominent conservatives and members of the administration, including Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are sharing passages.The organisers say it will encourage a "return to the spiritual foundation that has shaped our country". Trump's section was taped in the White House's Oval Office earlier, according to organisers. He is passage includes the line: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."The reading comes as Trump quarrels with Pope Leo XI...