By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
WASHINGTON DC
“I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” Bishop Budde said.
The Episcopal Bishop of Washington DC, Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde has asked newly inaugurated US President, Donald Trump to show compassion and mercy towards the lbtq+ individuals, undocumented immigrants and other marginalized groups in the United States.
Rev. Budde made the appeal on Monday, January 20th, 2025 during the inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral.
“In the name of our God,” Bishop Budde said, “I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” Bishop Budde said.
Budde’s appeal was due to the fear and uncertainty gripping LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families, some of whom she said are fearing for their lives as a result of policies and rhetoric from the Trump administration.
According to the Bishop, vulnerable groups such as the immigrants have largely supported US economic growth through taxation.
“The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.” Budde stated.
“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 fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here,” Trump said. ” The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors[…],” he said.
The service, traditionally held as a gesture of unity and healing, took on a deeper tone of reflection and confrontation. Bishop Budde’s message emphasized the church’s commitment to advocating for vulnerable communities and holding leaders accountable to principles of justice and compassion.
President Trump, who attended the service as part of inaugural traditions, dismissed the sermon as; “Not too exciting, was it? I didn’t think it was a very good service,” Trump bashed the service.
Bishop Budde has been a vocal critic of Trump in the past. Notably, she condemned his actions during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, when he used St. John’s Episcopal Church for a photo-op after federal authorities forcibly cleared peaceful protesters. Her latest address continues her tradition of challenging power structures in defense of those she describes as “living on the margins.”
Reactions to the sermon have been mixed. Supporters praised the bishop for her courage and moral clarity, while critics viewed her comments as an inappropriate politicization of a sacred service.
Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress, of First Baptist Dallas and host of Pathway to Victory a radio / television ministry, said Bishop Budde’s sermon was an insult to President Trump.
“Attended national prayer service today at the Washington National Cathedral during which Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde insulted rather than encouraged our great president @realDonaldTrump. There was palpable disgust in the audience with her words,” Pr. Jeffress posted on his X account.
American Podcaster, Alec Lace, host of the First Fatherhood and the Alec Lace show asked Rev. Budde to stop criticism and accept Trump as her president.
“There is no such thing as transgender children. Donald Trump is your President,” said Alec Lace.
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde speech
Another X user, formerly Twitter, @karmin821 demanded for immediate resignation of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who she described as a “disgrace” to the Americans.
“We demand the resignation of Mariann Edgar Budde. She’s a disgrace!” Karmin said.
However, the pro transgender people commended Bishop Budde’s boldness to fighting for protection and respect for rights of all Americans.
“Echoing the teachings of Jesus and calling out Trump’s cruelty, ignorance, and bigotry to his face, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivers a sermon for the ages. Bishop Budde stared down authoritarian fascism and said ‘Not today, motherfucker,” said Bill Madden, American song writer and musician.
Dean Allen, author and media personality commended Episcopal Bishop’s bravery for speaking up against Trump – Vance poor administration policies.
“A very brave and honourable lady. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Bishop of Washington, delivers a message to President Donald #Trump and his entourage. The look of disdain on their faces tells you everything you need to know about their character. God Help America. God Help the World,” Dean Allen posted on his X account.
US president Donald Trump also posted saying that Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde should resign for mixing politics with the scriptures.
“Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of Episcopal was highly disrespect to me at the sermon this morning accusing me of mis treating illegal immigrants and people of the LGBTQ. She should resign immediately for putting politics over scripture!” He said.
