Bishop’s refusal to apologize to Trump explained.
In a move that’s turning heads, the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, delivered a sermon that has everyone talking.
Trump’s orders on gender confirmed.
Within his first 24 hours back in office, Trump signed several executive orders.
Notably, he enacted a policy stating there are “only two genders.”
He also issued orders blocking migrants from entering the U.S., intensifying border control, and suspending refugee resettlement for four months.
Budde’s sermon has ignited a national conversation about the role of religious leaders in political discourse.
Born in New Jersey, Budde earned her B.A. in history from the University of Rochester, graduating magna cum laude.
She furthered her education with a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary.
Before her current role, Budde served as rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis for 18 years.
In 2011, she shattered a glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
Throughout her tenure, Budde has been a vocal advocate for social justice, focusing on issues like racial equity, gun violence prevention, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
This isn’t her first clash with Trump.
In 2020, during the George Floyd protests, she criticized Trump’s photo op at St. John’s Episcopal Church, stating he used the church and the Bible for partisan purposes.
Bishop’s desperate plea exposed.
During President Donald Trump’s inauguration at the National Cathedral, she took the opportunity to address the commander-in-chief directly.
“Mr. President, millions have put their trust in you,” Budde began, setting the stage for her heartfelt appeal.
She continued, urging Trump to “have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
Specifically, Budde highlighted the fears of gay, lesbian, and transgender children across various political spectrums.
She also shed light on the plight of immigrants, emphasizing their contributions to essential sectors like agriculture and healthcare.
“They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” she asserted.
Trump’s condemnation of sermon exposed.
Trump, known for his unfiltered reactions, didn’t hold back.
He labeled the service as “not too exciting” and remarked, “They could do much better.”
Taking to his platform, Truth Social, Trump demanded an apology from Budde and the church to the “public.”
Bishop’s refusal to apologize highlighted.
Back to the present, following the inauguration sermon, Budde was invited to discuss the incident on NPR.
“I don’t hate the president, and I pray for him,” Budde clarified.
She stood firm, saying, “I don’t feel there’s a need to apologize for a request for mercy.”
Reflecting on the backlash, she noted, “I regret that it was something that has caused the kind of response that it has.”
Budde emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue, lamenting our tendency to “jump to outrage and not speak to one another with respect.”
Despite the controversy, she remains unwavering: “No, I won’t apologize for what I said.”
Some praise her courage to speak truth to power, while others criticize her for politicizing the pulpit.
Bishop’s words continue to inspire.
Regardless of where one stands, it’s clear that Budde’s words have struck a chord.
As the nation watches, the tension between faith and politics continues to unfold.
One thing is certain: Bishop Budde isn’t backing down.