In an emotional sermon delivered directly to Donald Trump, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde called on the president to show compassion and mercy to vulnerable communities during the Service of Prayer for the Nation at the National Cathedral. The event, held in Washington, D.C., was part of a traditional prayer service marking the start of a new administration.
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Speaking directly to Trump, Budde—who serves as the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington—issued a passionate plea, highlighting the fears and challenges faced by many Americans, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ youth, and families at risk of separation.
In her sermon, Budde began by addressing the trust placed in Trump by millions of Americans and appealed to his faith.
“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you. And as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country, and we’re scared now,” she said.
She went on to emphasize the fears of LGBTQ+ youth across the political spectrum, some of whom, she noted, “fear for their lives.” Budde also spoke about the immigrant community, particularly those working low-wage jobs in agriculture, food service, and healthcare.
“They may not be citizens or have the proper 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, wadara, and temples,” she said.
Budde implored Trump to show mercy to children who fear losing their parents to deportation and to extend compassion to those fleeing war zones and persecution abroad. She reminded the congregation—and Trump—of religious teachings to welcome and care for strangers, saying, “Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land.”
Budde’s remarks went beyond critiquing Trump’s policies. She also urged the nation to honor the dignity of every human being and called for unity during a time of division.
“May God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being, to speak the truth to one another in love, and walk humbly with each other and our God for the good of all people, the good of all people in this nation and the world,” she concluded.
This isn’t the first time Budde has publicly criticized Trump. She made headlines in 2020 when she condemned his use of St. John’s Episcopal Church as a photo-op after police cleared protesters near the White House. At the time, Budde accused Trump of exploiting the church for political gain and failing to uphold the values it represents.
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