Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: A Voice for Compassion and Justice at the National Prayer Service

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, has once again captured national attention with her bold and heartfelt sermon during the National Prayer Service on January 21, 2025. Known for her advocacy for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration reform, Bishop Budde used the platform to directly address President Donald Trump, urging him to show mercy and compassion to marginalized communities. Her remarks have sparked widespread discussion, drawing both praise and criticism from various quarters, including political figures like Rep. Mike Collins. This article delves into the life, work, and recent actions of Bishop Budde, highlighting her role as a prominent voice in the Episcopal Church and beyond.

Who Is Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde?

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde is the first woman to serve as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington (EDW), a position she has held since 2011. Overseeing 86 congregations and 10 Episcopal schools in the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland, she has been a steadfast advocate for justice, equality, and inclusion. Before her election as bishop, Budde served as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis for 18 years.

A graduate of the University of Rochester with a degree in history, Budde later earned her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Virginia Theological Seminary. Her leadership style is characterized by a commitment to addressing pressing social issues, including racial equity, gun violence prevention, and climate change, alongside her advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion and immigrant rights.

The National Prayer Service and Bishop Budde’s Sermon

The National Prayer Service, held at the Washington National Cathedral, is a longstanding tradition following presidential inaugurations. This year’s service, however, took on a unique tone as Bishop Budde delivered a powerful sermon directly addressing President Trump, who was seated in the front row alongside Vice President J.D. Vance and their families.
In her 15-minute sermon, Budde made an impassioned plea for mercy and compassion, stating:

“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.”

She also highlighted the plight of undocumented immigrants, emphasizing their contributions to society:

“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 may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.”

Budde’s remarks were a direct response to Trump’s recent executive orders, which included rolling back transgender rights and implementing stricter immigration policies. Her sermon called for unity and compassion, urging the president to consider the humanity of those affected by his administration’s actions.

The Reaction: Praise and Criticism

Bishop Budde’s sermon quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions across social media and political circles. Supporters praised her courage and moral clarity, with many commending her for using her platform to advocate for marginalized communities. Austen Ivereigh, a biographer of Pope Francis, tweeted that Budde “named the truth” and “nailed it” with her remarks.
However, her sermon also drew sharp criticism, particularly from conservative figures. President Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, labeled Budde a “radical left hardline Trump hater” and accused her of bringing politics into the church in an “ungracious way.” He demanded a public apology from both Budde and the Episcopal Church, calling her sermon “nasty in tone” and “not compelling or smart.”
Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican congressman from Georgia, went a step further, sharing a clip of the sermon on X (formerly Twitter) and suggesting that Budde should be “added to the deportation list.” His comments underscored the polarized response to Budde’s message, reflecting the broader divisions in American society.

Bishop Budde’s Advocacy for LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Rights

Bishop Budde’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant justice is deeply rooted in her faith and the teachings of the Episcopal Church. She has long been a vocal supporter of full inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals in the church and society, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their dignity and humanity.
In her sermon, Budde addressed the fears of LGBTQ+ children and their families, particularly in light of recent policy changes under the Trump administration. Her call for mercy extended to immigrant workers, many of whom face the threat of deportation despite their significant contributions to the economy and community life.
Budde’s message aligns with the Episcopal Church’s broader commitment to social justice. The church has been a leading voice in advocating for immigration reform, racial equity, and environmental stewardship, among other issues. As the chair of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, Budde has played a key role in advancing these priorities.

A History of Speaking Truth to Power

This is not the first time Bishop Budde has publicly challenged President Trump. In 2020, she made headlines when she condemned Trump’s use of St. John’s Episcopal Church as a backdrop for a photo-op during the George Floyd protests. At the time, Budde stated:

“The President just used a Bible and one of the churches of my diocese as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for.”

Her willingness to speak truth to power has made her a prominent figure in the intersection of faith and politics. While her actions have drawn criticism from some quarters, they have also solidified her reputation as a leader unafraid to stand up for her beliefs.

The Role of the Episcopal Church in Social Justice

The Episcopal Church, to which Bishop Budde belongs, has a long history of advocating for social justice and inclusion. As a denomination, it has been at the forefront of movements for racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental sustainability. The church’s teachings emphasize the inherent dignity of every human being and the importance of caring for the marginalized and oppressed.
Under Budde’s leadership, the Episcopal Diocese of Washington has continued to prioritize these values. Her work has included organizing initiatives to address gun violence, supporting immigrant families, and promoting interfaith dialogue. The National Prayer Service provided a platform for these themes, with Budde’s sermon serving as a call to action for both political leaders and the broader public.

Conclusion: A Call for Unity and Compassion

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s sermon at the National Prayer Service was a powerful reminder of the role faith leaders can play in advocating for justice and compassion. Her message, though controversial, resonated with many who share her concerns about the treatment of marginalized communities in the United States.
As the nation grapples with deep divisions and pressing social challenges, Budde’s call for mercy and unity offers a vision of hope and reconciliation. Whether or not her words will influence policy decisions remains to be seen, but her courage in speaking out has undoubtedly left a lasting impact.
In a time of uncertainty and fear, Bishop Budde’s leadership serves as a beacon of light, reminding us of the power of faith to inspire change and bring people together.