Report finds over 500 million Christians lack access to the Bible
A report released on July 10, 2026 found that more than 500 million Christians worldwide cannot read the Bible.
The findings underscore a major challenge for faith communities, as the Bible Access List 2026 surveyed 106 countries to pinpoint where and why believers still struggle to obtain Scripture. The study highlights three overlapping obstacles: government and extremist persecution, socioeconomic hardship and limited safe digital access.
Persecution‑related restrictions affect at least 250 million Christians, according to the report. Strict governments, extremist violence and pressure from family or community make possession of a Bible dangerous in countries such as Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, North Korea and Eritrea. In Afghanistan, the study notes, “God’s Word is the most dangerous book any Afghan can possess, and discovery can cost them their life.”
“We often hear that the Bible is more accessible than ever, but we must not confuse availability with access,” said Wybo Nicolai, co‑author of the report.
Socioeconomic barriers create another layer of need. The authors estimate that more than 550 million Christians across 33 nations face poverty, weak infrastructure, low literacy or lack of electricity, preventing them from obtaining or reading a Bible even where it is legal. An estimated 82 million Christians are without a Bible solely because they cannot afford it or reach distribution points.
Digital solutions do not close the gap for many. Over 400 million Christians in 42 countries lack internet access, and an additional 277 million in 48 countries live in unsafe online environments where Scripture sites are blocked or monitored. The report warns that “even where Scripture is available digitally, limited internet coverage or unsafe conditions make it inaccessible.”
“We believe everyone deserves access to God’s Word, and our goal is to equip others to join us in this mission,” said Ken Bitgood, founder and CEO of Digital Bible Society.
The assessment also identified the countries with the greatest Bible shortages: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, India and Uganda, where cost, distance and supply chain issues dominate. An estimated 125 million Christians across 81 countries want a Bible but do not have one, up from more than 100 million the previous year.
Faith leaders and humanitarian groups view the report as a roadmap for targeted action, calling for prayer, strategic funding for printed editions in local languages, and safe digital distribution where internet access exists.
