Bible engagement hit new record on Easter Sunday

___________________________
 RELIGION 

Easter Sunday (April 5) was the number one day for bible engagement in several African countries, including in Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia, according to YouVersion.

In a press release, YouVersion, the creator of the world’s most popular Bible App, said bible engagement on that day surged to a record more than 21.6 million people.

Throughout the Holy Week, an average of 18.7 million people engaged with the bible each day through YouVersion's apps.

All 10 of the highest days for Bible engagement in YouVersion's history have happened so far in 2026, it added.

Globally, bible engagement during the Holy Week grew by 15 percent this year compared to 2025. 

"Every region of the world saw significant increases, including Sub-Saharan Africa with 37 percent year-over-year growth and Latin America up 22 percent, representing millions of people engaging with God's Word in each region."

On the African continent, Good Friday in South Africa ranked as the number one day for bible engagement. 

In Uganda's neighbor Kenya, Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, ranked as the top day for bible engagement, while Easter Sunday ranked second.

“We’ve seen steady growth in interest in the bible across Africa, and the engagement we saw over Easter is a reflection of the trend we’re witnessing globally," said Joseph Gachira, YouVersion‘s Kenya Hub Leader.

"This is particularly significant at Easter, when both committed Christians and those simply wanting to understand the Easter story may be engaging with the bible to find encouragement, guidance and answers. 

"Seeing so many Africans turn to Scripture is a great reminder of why we do what we do."

Bible App Lite is the the YouVersion app designed for offline use. It has also been ranked multiple times this year as the number one most downloaded app in several African countries. 

Most notably, it was number one in nine African countries on Easter Sunday, including Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting a surge in engagement across the region.

"Easter is one of the most significant events on the Christian calendar, and many people, whether lifelong Christians or simply curious about the Easter story, engage with Scripture more deeply during Lent and Holy Week," said YouVersion.

“Historically, Easter is one of the highest days for engagement each year," said YouVersion Founder and CEO Bobby Gruenewald.

"It’s encouraging to see interest and engagement in God’s Word increase every year, especially around Easter when we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and love for the world. 

"For anyone who isn’t already engaging with the bible daily, there’s no better time to start than today.”

The Bible App provides access to the bible in more than 2,400 different languages and more than 3,750 translations, plus video content and bible plans offered in partnership with ministries all over the globe.