The Evangelical Alliance of Guatemala issued a public statement expressing concern about the polarization surrounding Decree 5-2025, legislation that established the observance of Bible Day and is currently under review by the Constitutional Court.
The statement was addressed to the Constitutional Court, Congress, the Executive branch, and the evangelical community. In it, the organization said that public debate should be conducted respectfully and without stigmatizing differing viewpoints, while reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom, human dignity, and constitutional order.
The statement comes amid ongoing review of a constitutional challenge against Decree 5-2025, which designates the first Saturday of August as National Bible Day. The measure was approved by Guatemala’s Congress in August 2025 and went into effect following its official publication.
The decree states that the observance 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.
The Evangelical Alliance said the commemoration does not imply the establishment of an official religion, but rather represents recognition of the nation’s cultural and ethical heritage. It also expressed confidence that the Constitutional Court will conduct a technical review in accordance with constitutional doctrine and current legislation, respecting both religious freedom and the secular nature of the state.
The organization also emphasized that for large sectors of the population, the Bible represents a source of values and social cohesion, arguing that its historical and social contributions extend beyond religious denominations. In that sense, it urged that public debate remain within a framework of plural coexistence.
The legal dispute stems from a lawsuit seeking to declare the law establishing National Bible Day as unconstitutional. The debate has generated opposing views in society, as well as in religious and political circles, regarding the scope of secularism and the presence of expressions of faith in public life.
The law was approved by Congress as a measure of national urgency and with majority legislative support, following Guatemala’s ordinary lawmaking procedures.
As Guatemalans await the Constitutional Court’s ruling, the case is emerging as a significant precedent in the relationship between legislation, religious freedom, and secularism in the country. The final decision will determine whether the observance of National Bible Day remains public policy or whether its legal framework will be modified based on constitutional interpretation.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
