Here is your source for all the latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news from the month of May 2026 — from archaeological discoveries and academic research to cultural events and conversations, developments in the global church, and more. Click the link in each story to view the original source(s).
Updated throughout the month.
Week of May 3
- Tech Companies Seek Faith Leaders’ Guidance for Ethical AI — May 7: Tech companies are increasingly collaborating with faith leaders to address ethical concerns in artificial intelligence (AI). At the “Faith-AI Covenant” roundtable in New York, representatives from various faiths and tech firms discussed integrating moral principles into AI development. Though many remain skeptical of Silicon Valley’s intentions, the dialogue reflects a growing recognition of the moral complexities surrounding AI’s rapid advancement. (AP)
- Irish Study Shows Key Role of Faith in Mental Wellbeing — May 7: A study of the role of faith in young people’s mental wellbeing found that students who used religion positively — through prayer, gratitude, social connection, or finding purpose — reported higher resilience and emotional health. Conversely, associating faith with guilt or fear correlated with poorer mental health. The study’s author emphasized the importance of guiding youth to engage with faith in ways that promote reflection, hope, and emotional resilience. (Christian Today)
- Southern Baptist Church Compensation Survey Seeking Participants — May 6: Are you a Southern Baptist minister or church leader? GuideStone, Lifeway Research, and SBC state conventions are now conducting the 2026 SBC Church Compensation Survey to help churches assess fair pay and benefits for pastors and staff. The survey takes about 10 minutes and will remain open until July 15. Participants will be entered to win an Amazon gift card. (Baptist Press)
- Why Religious Belief and Practice Don’t Always Line Up — May 6: Religious sociologist Ryan Burge did a deep analysis of the recent Gallup poll showing that religious importance among young men (18–29) jumped from 28% to 42% in two years. Among weekly church attendees, religion being “very important” climbed from 65% to 77% in that period. But among those who go to church less than once a year, it jumped from 6.7% to 17.1% — suggesting religious practice hasn’t yet caught up to belief. (Religion Unplugged)
- Leadership Transitions Reshape South Korea’s Biggest Churches — May 6: South Korea’s megachurches are undergoing a generational shift as several prominent congregations appoint new senior pastors. SaRang Community Church, Global Mission Church, and Oryun Church have all appointed new pastors, while others are in the process of selecting successors as longtime leaders prepare to retire. The new leaders will be tasked with balancing tradition and innovation to address shifting cultural attitudes. (Christian Daily)
- Was Mary Magdalene From Magdala, and If So, Where Is It? — May 5: Mary Magdalene is traditionally believed to be from Magdala, but the Bible never explicitly associates her with such a place. Archaeological evidence reveals that the current Magdala, near the Sea of Galilee, was called Taricheae during Jesus’ time; it wasn’t known as Magdala until the 6th century AD. The name “Magdala,” meaning “tower,” was common in Roman Palestine, and Mary “the Tower” could have been an epithet rather than location. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
- Southern Baptist Membership Down, Attendance and Baptisms Up — May 5: The Southern Baptist Convention, the largest U.S. Protestant denomination, continues to experience a membership decline, dropping 3% in 2025 to 12.3 million — its lowest since 1973. However, worship attendance rose to 4.5 million and baptisms increased to 263,075, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. These trends indicate heightened engagement despite issues like an aging membership and the growth of nondenominational churches. (Baptist Press; AP)
- Filipino Sign Language New Testament Enters Review Phase — May 5: The Filipino Deaf Community recently reviewed the New Testament translation into Filipino Sign Language (FSL) at the Philippine Bible Society in Manila. Participants evaluated passages from Matthew and Luke, providing feedback to enhance clarity, accuracy, and cultural relevance, and ensuring the translation communicates Scripture naturally in FSL. The initiative will next progress to other parts of the New Testament. (Christian Daily)
- U.S. Pastors Report Higher Sense of Calling, Lower Satisfaction — May 5: New research reveals that while American pastors are regaining confidence in their calling (up to 58% from a pandemic low of 35%), job satisfaction is declining. Only 52% of pastors report being “very satisfied” with their vocation, down from 72% in 2015. Emotional health has improved, with feelings of inadequacy and exhaustion decreasing significantly, but many pastors struggle seek better alignment with their strengths and gifts. (Barna)
- Massive Statue of Biblical Pharaoh Discovered in Egypt — May 4: Archaeologists in Egypt discovered a massive statue in the Nile Delta, likely depicting Ramses II, who is believed to be the unnamed pharaoh who opposed Moses in Exodus. The statue, weighing 5-6 tons and over 7 feet long, is in poor condition, missing its legs and base. Preliminary studies suggest it was relocated in ancient times from its original location for use in a religious complex. It has been transferred to a museum storage facility for restoration. (New York Post)
- Young New Yorkers Are Filling Pews for Catholic Mass — May 3: New York Catholic churches, once full of empty pews, are now running out of space as young adults, especially Gen Z, return to church, attending mass more frequently than older generations. These young parishioners volunteer, redesign spaces, and engage in outreach (and dating). Clergy credit this revival to a search for meaning and values beyond materialism, as young people seek tradition, connection, and spiritual growth. (Wall Street Journal)
Week of April 26
- Ornate Hebrew Manuscript on Python Skin Seized in Turkey — May 2: Turkish authorities have seized an ornate Hebrew manuscript inscribed in gold on python skin during an antiquities bust in Gaziantep. The two-meter-long scroll, stored in a copper case, features intricate gold script and a peacock image. A foreign national was detained for attempting to sell the artifact on the black market and is also suspected of illegal excavations. The manuscript’s origins and historical significance remain under investigation. (Jerusalem Post)
- Rededicate 250 Brings 2nd Major Prayer Gathering to D.C. This Month — May 2: Ten days after the 75th annual National Day of Prayer, the “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving” event will take place on May 17 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The livestreamed event will feature prayer, worship, and reflection on America’s spiritual history, present, and future, featuring speakers such as Robert Jeffress, Franklin Graham, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, followed by music. (Christianity Daily)
- Thousands Expected at Return of Jesus March in London — May 2: The Jesus March is set to return to London on May 23, Pentecost weekend, bringing together thousands of Christians from across the UK. Organized by Ichthus Christian Fellowship along with various churches and ministries, the event will feature a procession starting near Marble Arch and ending in Trafalgar Square with collective worship and prayer. This year’s theme is “Hope in our Hearts, Joy on the Streets.” (Christian Today)
- 75th Annual U.S. National Day of Prayer to Be Held May 7 — May 1: The 75th annual U.S. National Day of Prayer will take place on May 7, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary. This year’s theme, “Glorify God among the nations, seeking Him in all generations,” is inspired by 1 Chronicles 16:24. Kathy Branzell, president of the NDP Task Force, praised the growing faith among younger generations and encouraged prayer as a daily practice. The event will be held at Statuary Hall and broadcast on CBN. (CBN)
- Second Temple-Era Ritual Bath Discovered in Israel — May 1: A newly conserved Second Temple-era ritual bath (mikveh) has been unveiled at Tel Hebron, offering insights into Jewish life before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Carved into bedrock and featuring an ancient water system, the mikveh is among the largest of its kind in Israel. The site, located near the Cave of the Patriarchs, showcases layers of settlement from the Canaanite to Roman periods. (Israel 365)
- Catch Up on April’s Bible News Stories — May 1: Don’t forget to catch up on all the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible news stories of April 2026!
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