Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon at President Donald Trump’s inaugural prayer service took many by surprise with its bold appeal for kindness and care. Addressing pressing social issues, she directly implored the President for compassion.
This Tuesday, Washington’s National Cathedral was the venue for President Trump’s traditional inaugural prayer service. Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde was the speaker, and her sermon quickly became the talk of the event.
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Her powerful message, particularly aimed at President Trump, brought up topics not typically expected on such occasions.
Bishop Budde addressed Trump directly during her 15-minute sermon with these words: “Mr. President, millions have placed their faith in you. As you mentioned in your address, you’ve felt the providence of a loving God.
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I plead with you, in the name of our God, to have mercy on those in our country who are fearful right now.”
She raised concerns about the welfare of vulnerable groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants, refugees, and children worried about family separations.
Trump’s Policies Under Fire
The sermon followed a series of executive orders signed by Trump the day before. These orders stirred public debate again, with one declaring a national emergency at the southern border, another targeting birthright citizenship, and a third aimed at “recognizing biological distinctions between men and women.”
Bishop Budde voiced her objections to policies she believed unjustly targeted marginalized communities. She emphasized the plight of immigrants, saying, “Those who harvest our crops, clean our offices, labor in poultry farms, and work in meatpacking — they may lack formal citizenship or proper documentation. Yet, most immigrants are law-abiding individuals who pay taxes and contribute positively to society.”
A Pattern of Public Dissent
Budde is no stranger to spotlighting her criticisms of Trump. Back in 2020, she made national headlines when she opposed his use of St. John’s Episcopal Church for a photo during racial justice protests. Then, she accused him of sowing division, stating, “Moral leadership is what we need, and he’s done everything to divide us.”
Budde’s recent and past criticisms, especially at prominent events like the inaugural prayer service, highlight her readiness to speak her mind regardless of the setting.
Divided Responses
Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance maintained their composure during the service, but reactions to Budde’s address varied greatly. Mike Collins, a Republican Representative from Georgia, expressed his irritation on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying, “The individual giving this sermon should be considered for deportation.”
Conversely, others applauded Budde’s bravery in delivering what was perceived by many as a sermon advocating for unity and compassion. Social media was alive with debates on whether her message was appropriately timed or misplaced for an inaugural event.
Trump’s Brief Reaction
Responding to questions about his view on the sermon, Trump conveyed, “I didn’t think it was a good service.” His concise reply left many wondering about the sermon’s impact on his thoughts or any potential influence on policy directions.
Nearing the close of her sermon, Budde encouraged Trump to reflect on values such as mercy and hospitality. She added a biblical reminder: “Our God teaches us that acts of mercy toward the stranger are vital, as we all were once strangers in this land.”
Bishop Budde’s words underscored the ethical and moral challenges the new administration is about to face.
We’d love to hear your views on Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon. Was it a courageous stand or not fitting for the event? Let us know your thoughts below and engage in the discussion!
