- Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde directly addressed President Donald Trump to show compassion to migrants and the LGBTQ+ community
- Budde's 20-minute sermon stressed the importance of unity and departing from the culture of contempt in the US
- President Trump expressed disapproval of the service, while Republican U.S. Representative Mike Collins suggested that Bishop Budde should be added to the deportation list in response to her sermon
Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde has challenged President Donald Trump to show compassion towards migrants and the LGBTQ+ community.
Addressing the president directly, Budde implored him to “have mercy” on those who are frightened, noting that "gay, lesbian, and transgender children exist in all families."
Budde said this at the interfaith prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, January 21.
The bishop's impassioned plea came during a 20-minute sermon, where she emphasised the importance of unity and departing from the "culture of contempt" that has become normalised in the US.
Budde directly addressed Trump, stating,
“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 we are scared now.
“There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives.
“And the people who pick our crops, clean our office buildings, who labour in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants, and who work the night shifts in hospitals.”
She added,
“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 neighbours. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, with Dara and Temples.”
Highlighting the political situation, she added, “Contempt fuels political campaigns and social media, and many profit from that. It is a dangerous way to lead a country.”
Towards the end of her sermon, Budde said,
"I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away. And that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here.
“Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land."
The bishop's sermon was met with silence from Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who were seated in the front row.
However, Republican U.S. Representative Mike Collins from Georgia responded by posting the video clip of Budde's sermon, suggesting that she should be added to the deportation list.
Trump later expressed his disapproval of the sermon, telling White House reporters that he "didn't think it was a good service."
Netizens react to Bishop Budde’s sermon
The incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of faith leaders in speaking truth.
Here are some reactions below:
@agozie_of_africa commented: “Trump couldn't wait for the speech to end..”
@thequeen_deee commented: “What a powerful fearless message. Well done bishop’
@heissupremofficial commented; “Let only God's truth prevail.”
@shades_of_grains commented: “He signed everything she pleaded for few hours after..... Politics and Religion are two different thing..... Either way, she has a soothing voice....’
@suraj_abdurrahman commented: “Am sure he's wondering who allowed her become bishop.”
@iamphunmymighty commented: “This is the kind of Christianity I'm familiar with. This is also what every Church leader should be saying. This is someone who has a truly compassionate heart and understands the word of God and it's not afraid to speak truth to power... No matter what”
@Vegassim posted: ‘What this self-proclaimed "bishop" did today was so over the top that I am amazed @POTUS did not get up with his family and leave.
Mariann Budde used her lectern to make a political attack on president, and of course, to bring glory to herself, which is highly offensive to the lord she claims to serve.”
@VonKobra2 commented: “Come on look at her, she looks like someone that would take exception to elimination of woke, DEI or gender by choice.”
@MeanyRobyn813 commented: I agree it goes to show you that Rev. Mariann Budde isn’t about God and bring ALL people together, it’s about her personal gay agenda because she is gay so it’s personal for her! Typical Wolk mind virus!”
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