WASHINGTON — The Right Rev. Mariann Budde captured attention recently after expressing her discontent with President Trump during an inaugural prayer service, drawing significant controversy. Though this is not the first instance where Budde has publicly opposed Trump, her comments during this event resonated deeply, marking a departure from the typical decorum expected at such occasions.
During her sermon at the Washington National Cathedral, Budde made a heartfelt plea to the president. “Let me make one final plea, Mr. President,” she began softly. “I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.” She pointed out the fears faced by gay, lesbian, and transgender children from various political backgrounds, highlighting that they are experiencing genuine fear for their lives. She further argued that “the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” calling them “good neighbors” who contribute positively to their communities.
In response to Budde’s sermon, President Trump appeared visibly unsettled. Following the service, he dismissed it as “not a good service” and labeled Budde a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater,” demanding an apology for what he deemed inappropriate statements on his platform.
In a subsequent interview, Budde expressed her intention to continue praying for the president, a practice in Episcopal tradition. “I don’t agree with many of his values and assumptions about American society,” she stated, adding, “I strongly disagree, actually. But I believe we can disagree respectfully.”
Notably, Budde holds a groundbreaking position as the first female bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, overseeing 86 churches and a community of around 38,000 members. Her fellow church leaders praised her as “a valued and trusted pastor,” emphasizing their support for her advocacy of mercy and compassion.
Prior to her elevation to bishop, Budde served as a parish priest at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis for nearly two decades. Raised in New Jersey and Colorado, she initially identified as an evangelical during her youth before returning to the Episcopal Church. She graduated from the University of Rochester and Virginia Theological Seminary, where she honed her theological perspective.
Budde was well aware of the theme of unity for the inaugural service, especially following a tumultuous election period. She painstakingly revised her sermon, wanting to address the need for empathy and a departure from broad political generalizations. As she prepared for the service, she observed how other clergy tailored their prayers to reflect pro-Trump sentiments and sought to represent a different interpretation of Christian faith.
At the interfaith service, which drew contributions from various religious leaders, conservative evangelicals notably did not have speaking roles, drawing criticism from some of Budde’s detractors. Responses to her sermon varied sharply, with progressive faith leaders applauding her bold stance, while conservative voices deemed her remarks disrespectful and confrontational. Pastor Robert Jeffress, a prominent Trump supporter, voiced similar sentiments and criticized Budde’s approach during the service.
Budde emphasized that her framing of the words directed to the president was intended as a gentle plea, recognizing his authority. However, she reflected on the situation, suggesting that her gentle approach might not have been understood as she hoped.
The cathedral has historically served as a platform for significant political events. Budde previously faced criticism from some Episcopal members when Trump used the venue for his inaugural prayer service in 2017, although she did not deliver a sermon then at his request. Her latest remarks echoed her long-standing opposition to Trump, which includes calling out his divisive language and holding him accountable for encouraging violence on January 6, 2021.
Moreover, Budde’s previous experiences, notably her outrage in 2020 when Trump posed with a Bible outside St. John’s Episcopal Church after law enforcement forcibly cleared protesters, have shaped her perspective as a faith leader. This year, she released a new book reflecting on her experiences and responses to such pivotal moments, titled “How We Learn to Be Brave.” Throughout her work, she articulates that bravery builds upon smaller, everyday decisions that define one’s courage and impact.
