Bishop Mariann Budde’s Controversial Sermon Draws Fire from Trump and Critics
The outspoken Episcopalian Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde has found herself at the center of controversy following a sermon at the Washington National Cathedral earlier this week. Addressing an audience that included President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and their families, Budde used her platform to criticize their administration’s immigration and LGBTQ policies.
Her sermon, which many perceived as a politically charged lecture, included calls for “mercy” toward illegal immigrants and support for liberal causes such as allowing biological males to compete in female sports. Trump and Vance, visibly unimpressed, exchanged expressions throughout the address, signaling their disapproval.
Budde’s Plea for Compassion
“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President,” Budde said during the service. “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 now.”
She continued, “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. They pay taxes and are good neighbors.”
Her remarks sparked immediate backlash on social media, with critics accusing her of politicizing her position as a religious leader.
Doubling Down on Controversy
In an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Budde stood by her remarks. “I was looking at the President because I was speaking directly to him,” Budde explained. “I wanted to counter as gently as I could with a reminder of [immigrants’] humanity and their place in our wider community. I wanted to say, you know, there is room for mercy.”
When asked what prompted her sermon’s tone, Budde stated, “These are the people that I know. These are not abstract people for me. These are actual people that I know. So I wanted to speak on their behalf.”
A History of Activism
While Budde claims her remarks were not overtly political, her background suggests otherwise. Financial records reveal that Budde donated to former President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012, contributing $250 under her occupation as clergy for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
Her son, Amos, also has ties to left-wing political activism. He collaborates with a former Obama campaign head and is involved with George Soros’ Swing Left PAC, according to senior reporter Paul Sperry from Real Clear Politics.
Trump Responds
President Trump addressed Budde’s sermon and her criticism on his Truth Social platform, labeling her a “Radical Left hardline Trump hater.”
“The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hardline Trump hater,” Trump wrote. “She brought her church into the world of politics in a very ungracious way.”
Trump also criticized her for failing to acknowledge the dangers posed by some illegal immigrants. “She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart,” he added. “She failed to mention the large number of illegal migrants that came into our country and killed people. Many were deposited from jails and mental institutions. It is a giant crime wave that is taking place in the USA.”
The Divisive Role of Religion in Politics
Budde’s sermon highlights the increasingly blurred lines between faith and politics, particularly as religious leaders take stances on hot-button issues. While some praised her for addressing immigration and LGBTQ issues with compassion, others criticized her for using a sacred platform to deliver a politically charged message.
The fallout from her sermon illustrates the challenges religious leaders face in addressing social and political issues without alienating members of their congregations or broader audiences. As Budde’s actions continue to draw national attention, the debate surrounding the role of religious leaders in political discourse shows no signs of abating.
This incident underscores the broader political tensions gripping the nation, with figures like Budde navigating the fine line between advocacy and partisanship in their public roles.