Budde Urges Trump to Show Mercy to Marginalized Groups
At a service of prayer for the nation held at Washington National Cathedral, Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, delivered a poignant sermon directly addressing President Donald Trump. During her sermon, Budde pleaded with Trump to show compassion toward marginalised groups, including LGBT individuals and undocumented immigrants, who, she noted, often face fear and uncertainty.
Seated in the front row alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance, Trump listened as Budde called for mercy on vulnerable populations. “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” she stated, highlighting the plight of gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals in families across the political spectrum who fear for their safety.
Budde also advocated for undocumented immigrants, recognising their contributions to the country. “The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labour in poultry farms and meat-packing 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,” she said.
She urged Trump to show compassion for children fearing separation from their parents and for refugees escaping war and persecution, emphasizing the biblical teaching of showing mercy to strangers.
Earlier in her sermon, Budde expressed concerns over what she termed “the culture of contempt” and the erosion of equality in political discourse. She stressed the importance of unity and respectful disagreement, calling for a collective effort to honour the dignity of every individual and work toward reconciliation.
This is not the first time Budde has publicly criticised Trump. In 2020, she condemned his photo op outside St. John’s Episcopal Church, which followed protests and a fire at the church. At the time, Budde described the use of the Bible and the church as “antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for.”
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The prayer service, held at the National Cathedral, included diverse religious elements, with Christian music and liturgy alongside contributions from a Jewish cantor, a Muslim call to prayer, and readings by representatives of other faiths. Prayers were offered for the president, vice president, Supreme Court justices, armed forces, first responders, and other key groups.
The tradition of holding an interfaith prayer service the day after a presidential inauguration dates back to 1933. This year’s service followed a similar format, bringing together religious leaders and communities to pray for the nation’s leadership and unity.
The National Cathedral has been a hub for promoting unity during challenging times. Last November, it hosted an Election Day prayer vigil, aiming to inspire hope amid political divisiveness. Dean Randolph Marshall Hollerith previously emphasised the need for reconciliation, citing Jesus’ command to “love your enemies” and “pray for those who abuse you.”
Bishop Budde’s heartfelt sermon serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and unity in addressing the challenges facing marginalised groups in the United States. Her direct appeal to President Trump underscores the role of religious leaders in advocating for justice, mercy, and the collective good. The interfaith nature of the service further reflects the importance of inclusivity and dialogue in fostering hope and reconciliation in a divided nation.
Content Credit| Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola Precious
Picture Credit | https://www.commondreams.org/
