At the National Prayer Service held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., in honor of President Donald Trump, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a sermon that called for compassion and unity amidst the divisive political landscape.
Her remarks, while framed as a spiritual plea, resonated as a critique of the new administration’s early policies, sparking mixed reactions from attendees and observers.
Bishop Budde’s sermon emphasized themes of mercy, unity, and inclusivity, addressing what she described as fears among vulnerable communities. Directing her words at President Trump, Budde called for understanding and compassion toward groups she said feel marginalized under his leadership, including the LGBTQ+ community, undocumented immigrants, and refugees.
Here is the bishopess going off on Trump, telling him to protect gay, lesbian and transgender children, and to not conduct deportations pic.twitter.com/ZQexFBLIQ0
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) January 21, 2025
“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President,” Budde said. “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 who are scared