Episcopal Bishop Budde: President "I ask you to have mercy" on people
Episcopal Bishop Marianne Budde the January 21, 2025, during a sermon held at the Washington National Cathedral, he urged President Donald Trump to show mercy towards LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants and refugees. Starting from Trump's belief that he was saved directly by God during the attack made on him during the election campaign, he told him from the altar:
«He felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God I ask you to have mercy on the people of our country who are scared.
There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives.
And the people who wash dishes after we eat in restaurants and work night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens and may not have the correct documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals: they pay taxes and are good neighbors, they are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, wadadaras and temples.
I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear their parents will be taken away and to help those who are fleeing war zones, from persecution in their homelands and find compassion and welcome here. Our God teaches us that we must be merciful to the stranger.
Because we are all foreigners in this land. May God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being, to speak the truth to each other in love, and to walk humbly with each other and with our God for the good of all people in this nation and around the world. Amen"
Mariann Edgar Budde has been the Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Washington since 2011, the first woman to serve in this role. He is a figure recognized for his commitment to social causes and his inclusive approach, promoting racial equity, gun violence prevention, immigration reform and LGBTQ+ rights.
In his ministry, he has often emphasized the need to embrace diversity and work for social justice. During the George Floyd protests in 2020, he criticized the misuse of St. John's Episcopal Church for political purposes, reaffirming Jesus' values of compassion and justice. Additionally, he publicly urged political leaders to show mercy toward marginalized communities , including immigrants and LGBTQ+ people.
Budde is also the author of books that reflect her inclusive pastoral approach and desire to strengthen dialogue about faith, courage and love.
