Bishop Budde Calls for Unity Amid Division
In a January 21 sermon at Washington National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Budde urged Americans to strive for unity grounded in honesty, humility, and respect for human dignity. Addressing President Donald Trump directly, Budde appealed for mercy toward marginalized groups, including immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals, as fears grow over new policies. Trump, seated in the front row alongside Vice President JD Vance, recently began his second term with executive orders targeting migrants, refugees, and transgender individuals.
“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 who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here. Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land.”
Policies Fuel Concerns Among Supporters and Critics
Budde’s sermon referenced Trump’s inaugural promise to “make America great again,” tempered by her call for compassion. Critics have raised alarms over his executive orders, which include suspending refugee resettlement, ending birthright citizenship, and reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” asylum policy. Additional orders eliminate federal protections for transgender inmates and define gender strictly as male or female. Supporters argue these measures prioritize national security and uphold traditional values, but detractors see them as harmful and divisive.
Episcopal Church Leaders Join Call for Mercy
Bishop Budde’s message aligned with a letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris, urging the administration to show compassion. The letter, issued the same day, emphasized the moral responsibility to protect vulnerable communities. Episcopal leaders have criticized Trump in the past, including his controversial 2020 photo-op at St. John’s Church. This year’s sermon focused on unity beyond political conformity, encouraging Americans to bridge divides while respecting differences.
Interfaith Representation at the Service
The service, livestreamed due to security concerns, featured leaders from diverse faiths, including Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh representatives. National Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith and Bishop Ann Ritonia participated alongside the U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra. The event concluded with Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” a song reportedly admired by Trump. However, the president later dismissed the service as ineffective.
A Hopeful Vision for an Imperfect Union
Bishop Budde acknowledged the challenges of achieving national unity in a polarized era but maintained that unity is possible with effort and faith. She emphasized the importance of upholding the dignity of all people and reaffirming the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
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Washington bishop’s plea to Trump: ‘Have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared’
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