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| Image: X |
In a powerful and unprecedented moment, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, used the platform of President Donald Trump’s inaugural prayer service to make an impassioned plea for mercy and compassion toward LGBTQ individuals and immigrants.
Speaking directly to Trump, Budde addressed fears stemming from recent executive orders targeting transgender rights and immigration policies.
"I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now," she said. Budde highlighted the plight of gay, lesbian, and transgender children in families across the political spectrum and the fears of immigrants and asylum-seekers facing deportation or rejection.
"I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear their parents will be taken away," she urged, adding that compassion is vital for those fleeing persecution and war.
See the response below:
HAHAHA! Trump is FURIOUS after being called out by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde “I didn’t think it was a good service… they could’ve done much better.” Trump’s fragile ego has been badly damaged! pic.twitter.com/WWvCNEwurv
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) January 21, 2025
Trump Responds with Criticism
President Trump, who was seated in the front row during the service, later dismissed the sermon as "boring" and criticized Budde on his social media platform, Truth Social.
"She was nasty in tone, not compelling or smart... She and her church owe the public an apology!" Trump wrote, accusing Budde of politicizing the event.
See the screenshot of the post:
Mixed Reactions
Budde’s remarks drew both praise and backlash. Supporters hailed her courage, with one commentator on X (formerly Twitter) remarking, "Wow. A bishop just called out Trump and Vance to their faces at church."
See the post below:
Wow. A bishop just called out Trump and Vance to their faces at church.
— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) January 21, 2025
“The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. May I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those whose children fear their parents will be taken away.” pic.twitter.com/FGun0D1uIe
However, critics, including Rep. Mike Collins, labeled her sermon inappropriate. Collins suggested adding Budde to a "deportation list."
See the post below:
The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list. pic.twitter.com/d7a2z1CM6s
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) January 21, 2025
How on earth did the admin let Trump go to a church service by a woke bishop? Massive unforced error.
— Rob Schmitt (@SchmittNYC) January 21, 2025
Budde's Response
"So many people are terrified. As a spiritual leader, I could not remain silent," she said.
Budde, 65, has been the first female spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington since 2011. She has consistently advocated for social justice and compassion throughout her tenure, which includes overseeing the National Cathedral.
The boldness of her sermon reflects growing concern over Trump’s policy agenda and has sparked a national conversation on the intersection of faith, politics, and human rights.
See the video below:
U.S Bishop addresses President Donald Trump over his stance about LGBTQ and immigrants
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) January 21, 2025
pic.twitter.com/nV5QlxGRwK
Source: TOI
#BishopBudde
#DonaldTrump
#LGBTQ
#Immigrants
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