In a poignant sermon at the Washington National Cathedral on January 21, 2025, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, directly appealed to President Donald Trump to “have mercy” on the LGBTQ+ community and immigrants. Her remarks came during the inaugural prayer service, a tradition marking the beginning of a new presidential term.
“Have Mercy”
Addressing the congregation, including President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and their families, Bishop Budde emphasized the importance of compassion and mercy in leadership. She stated, “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families. Some who fear for their lives.” A video of the sermon was published by the AP News.
Bishop Budde’s appeal was particularly timely, as the Trump administration had recently enacted policies affecting these communities. The administration’s actions included ending birthright citizenship and recognizing only two genders in official documents, leading to increased uncertainty and fear among LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants.
In her challenge to Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the southern border and his new immigration orders, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde also addressed the broader narrative surrounding migrants, as noted by NPR. She emphasized the essential roles many immigrants play in society, despite not always having citizenship or proper documentation. “The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings; who labor in poultry farms and meat packing plants; who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals, they – 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,” said Budde.
Trump’s Response
Following the service, President Trump responded to Bishop Budde’s sermon. He remarked, “Not too exciting, was it? I didn’t think it was a good service. They could do much better,” as reported by the AP News.
Additionally, President Trump criticized Bishop Budde on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hard-line Trump hater. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart…. She and her church owe the public an apology!” as reported by the Guardian.
Bishop Budde has a history of advocating for marginalized communities. In 2020, she condemned the use of St. John’s Episcopal Church for a photo op by President Trump, describing it as a “violation” of the church’s sacred space.
Her recent sermon underscores her commitment to justice and compassion, urging leaders to consider the well-being of all citizens, especially those who are vulnerable.
As the nation continues to grapple with issues of immigration and LGBTQ+ rights, Bishop Budde’s call for mercy serves as a reminder of the enduring need for empathy and understanding in leadership. Her appeal highlights the ongoing challenges faced by these communities and the importance of compassionate governance.
