Here it is, your source for all the latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news from the month of June 2025 — from archaeological discoveries and academic research to cultural events and conversations, developments in the global church, and more.
Week of June 1
- June 4 — Cambridge University Press is celebrating 100 years of its iconic KJV Cameo Bible with a Centenary Edition featuring luxurious golden brown calfskin leather, which will develop a unique patina over time. Known for its elegant design and practical reference tools, the Cameo Bible was first released in 1925 for the casual sum of £2,297 (roughly £130,000 or $175,000 today). The Centenary Edition will debut at a rather more modest £235 / $350. (Christian Today)
- June 4 — Together with other religious minorities, Christians in India are rallying against rising violence and discrimination under the Hindu-nationalist BJP government. The Christian Rohingya community in Delhi, for example, has been facing a severe crackdown, with refugees detained and deported under harsh conditions. The “show of unity,” which has received support from Muslim and other tribe and caste groups, will be held nationwide June 9. (Christian Today and Christianity Today)
- June 4 — With up to 100,000 U.S. houses of worship at risk of closure in the next decade, some suggest social enterprise as a solution. By generating revenue and reducing costs, faith institutions can repurpose underused spaces like sanctuaries, halls, and kitchens for community services or rentals such as preschools, pickleball courts, or food businesses. Larger projects, like mixed-use developments, are also gaining traction. (Religion Unplugged)
- June 3 — Get ready for a new kind of Bible influencer. AI “filmmaker” PJ Accetturo has ignited controversy with viral AI-generated videos reimagining Bible characters as modern influencers, such as Jonah vlogging (video blogging) from inside a whale. While some praise the creative attempt to engage with younger audiences, others criticize it as “cringey” and sacrilegious. Either way, this is surely just the beginning of AI’s influence on faith-based storytelling. (RELEVANT)
- June 3 — A report by the Evangelical Alliance, based on 280 UK adults who became Christians in the last five years, found that a welcoming church (59%) and Bible reading (47%) were the key factors in helping them explore Christianity. Other influences included spiritual experiences (39%), small groups (42%), and the actions of Christians (38%). Many began exploring faith due to dissatisfaction with life (37%) or seeking meaning (34%). (Christian Today)
- June 3 — In other pastor research news, a Lifeway Research study found that only 1.2% of evangelical and Black Protestant pastors leave ministry annually, a rate unchanged over the past decade. Most departures are due to a change in calling (37%), but burnout (22%) and church conflict (23%) also play a part. Despite often feeling overwhelmed (57%) or isolated (34%), 91% of pastors believe they can stay in their current roles as long as they wish. (Christianity Today)
- June 3 — Recent studies of U.S. churches reveal a paradox: While 70% of U.S. congregations have 100 or fewer attendees, the largest 9% of churches account for half of all churchgoers. Similarly, while the average church has 70 active members, the average churchgoer worships in a congregation of 360. Despite higher per capita giving and volunteerism, small churches face financial instability and aging memberships. Many expect to close within 10 years. (Lifeway Research)
- June 2 — American football team the New York Jets’ head coach introduced Bible study sessions as part of the team’s training program. The initiative was revealed through one player’s Instagram post sharing his 5-question worksheet on 1 Timothy 1:12-20. The post generated mixed reactions online, with some fans and players praising the spiritual focus, while others raised concerns about its appropriateness in a professional sports setting. (RELEVANT)
- June 2 — A recent study led by Dr. Will Gervais of Brunel University London suggests that even in secular societies, atheists may intuitively favor religion over atheism. The research, which involved placing 3,800 participants from eight low-religiosity countries into moral judgment scenarios, found participants were 40% more likely to view actions leading to atheism as intentional harm compared to those promoting religion. This bias persisted even among atheists. (Christian Today)
- June 2 — Churches across the UK are gearing up for a 36-hour prayer marathon over Pentecost weekend (June 6-8), as part of the Shine Your Light 2025 evangelism initiative. Organized by the National Day of Prayer and Worship (NDOPW), the event aims to unite believers in prayer and outreach amidst national division. The prayer session will include both online gatherings and activities hosted by local churches. (Christian Today)
- June 1 — A new pope was elected, old graves were exhumed, and old controversies are new again in the World Evangelical Alliance. It was the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, and there were gatherings and conferences of the African church, Chinese church in diaspora, Evangelical Press, and more. All that, plus the world’s largest Bible page — catch up on the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of May!
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