Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s Plea to Trump

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde Calls for Mercy During Inaugural Sermon

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the first female leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, delivered a poignant sermon during President Trump’s inaugural prayer service, urging him to show compassion towards marginalized communities, particularly immigrants and the L.G.B.T.Q. populace. Her address has garnered significant attention following its broadcast, echoing her previous criticisms of Trump’s policies and rhetoric during his presidency.

At 65 years old, Bishop Budde has been a prominent figure in the Episcopal Church, leading the Diocese of Washington since 2011. Her background includes nearly two decades as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, and she has been a strong advocate for social justice and inclusivity. Raised partially in New Jersey and Colorado, she is an alumna of the University of Rochester and has a passion for cycling around the nation’s capital.

In the wake of heightened tensions surrounding immigration and L.G.B.T.Q. rights, Bishop Budde’s diocese had planned a prayer service for the day following the inauguration, regardless of the election outcome. "I intended to preach, no matter what," she explained, emphasizing the role of the church as a moral compass during turbulent times.

During her sermon, which took place with President Trump in attendance, Bishop Budde articulated a call for mercy that resonated deeply with the congregation. As she concluded her message, she directly addressed the president, saying, "Let me make one final plea, Mr. President: Millions have put their trust in you." She reminded him of the importance of compassion in leadership, underscoring the fear that many individuals in the country currently experience—especially among those in the L.G.B.T.Q. community and immigrant families.

Bishop Budde highlighted that many of these individuals "are scared now," capturing the anxiety that has permeated these communities in recent years due to harsh immigration policies and anti-L.G.B.T.Q. rhetoric. She implored Trump to remember that "we were all once strangers in this land," urging him to provide for those who contribute to society, regardless of their immigration status. She pointed out that many immigrants work essential jobs, contributing significantly to the economy while facing the threat of deportation.

Bishop Budde’s remarks came in direct response to Trump’s previous efforts to enact stricter immigration laws and dismantle protections for transgender individuals. As she preached unity, she stressed the critical values of honesty, humility, and the recognition of the inherent dignity of all people. She lamented the current environment that allows for mockery and demonization of marginalized groups, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding instead.

Later in the day, Trump’s response to the service indicated his discomfort with Bishop Budde’s strong message. He remarked to reporters, "I didn’t think it was a good service, no. They can do much better," suggesting that he was unamused by the spiritual leader’s plea for compassion.

Despite the mixed reactions to her sermon, Bishop Budde expressed her intention to raise awareness of the fears faced by vulnerable communities during her time in the pulpit. In a follow-up interview, she refrained from commenting directly on Trump’s reaction but maintained that her plea was driven by a genuine concern for those who feel threatened and marginalized. "I was trying to say: The country has been entrusted to you," she said, reinforcing the notion that true leadership encompasses mercy and compassion.

The bishop highlighted the growing divide in public sentiment, noting that recent polls indicate that a little over half of the American population supports the idea of deporting all unauthorized immigrants. She remarked on what she perceives as a troubling shift in societal attitudes that permits cruelty towards those less fortunate—a reality that has haunted her conscience.

Bishop Budde concluded her remarks with a reminder of our shared humanity, insisting that "these are our neighbors." Her impassioned sermon serves as a powerful reminder of the role of faith leaders in advocating for justice and mercy in society. As the nation grapples with these pressing issues, her call for compassion rings clearer than ever, reinforcing the necessity for unity and understanding amidst the divisions that threaten to fracture the fabric of American life.