WASHINGTON — During the inaugural prayer service, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, made a poignant appeal to President Donald Trump, urging him to show compassion towards both the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrants.
Budde referenced Trump’s conviction that he was saved by divine intervention from an assassination attempt, stating, “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.”
The Trump administration has taken significant actions that include rolling back transgender rights and implementing stricter immigration policies. Upon returning to the White House, Trump responded to inquiries about Budde’s sermon, dismissing it by saying, “Not too exciting, was it? I didn’t think it was a good service. They could do much better.”
The prayer service held at the Washington National Cathedral emphasized national unity. Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, their families, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, were present at the service.
Bishop Budde emphasized that the gathering aimed to pray for unity among people and the nation, stating that the type of unity sought should strengthen community through diversity and division. “Unity is not partisan,” she added, pointing out that the service was inclusive of various faith traditions.
Though several religious leaders from different denominations, including Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu representatives, participated in the interfaith service, conservative evangelicals—often aligned with Trump—were notably absent from the speaking roles. Nevertheless, some were present in the audience, including Robert Jeffress, pastor of Dallas’ First Baptist Church, and Paula White-Cain, a prominent televangelist who has advised Trump.
This inaugural prayer service marked a shift in focus compared to previous events. Traditionally, these services have highlighted the new administration, but this time the attention was directed toward the nation instead. Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, the dean of the Episcopal cathedral, articulated that it was time to approach the event differently, emphasizing the need for unity and well-being for all Americans.
Themes of compassion and community were underscored by readings, such as a passage from Deuteronomy emphasizing care for the vulnerable in society. Sermons at past inaugural services have often been delivered by ministers supporting the new administration; however, Budde, who has previously criticized Trump for his divisive language and inciting violence, was in a unique position to address the president directly.
Budde’s remarks prompted mixed reactions on social media. Austen Ivereigh, a biographer of Pope Francis, commended Budde for speaking her truth, while Jeffress countered by claiming her words were more insulting than encouraging, highlighting a stark contrast between perspectives within the audience.
A notable musical element of the service included Christopher Macchio, who performed “Ave Maria,” a piece that resonates with Trump and was featured in previous political events. Macchio also sang hymns like “How Great Thou Art” and the Leonard Cohen classic “Hallelujah,” both of which are favorites of the president. Towards the conclusion of the service, Trump participated in singing “America the Beautiful.” As clergy members passed by him post-service, he expressed gratitude to many, except Budde, whom he neglected to acknowledge.
In summary, the inaugural prayer service sought to foster unity amid a divided national landscape, contrasting the distinct spiritual voices present and highlighting the divergent opinions surrounding the current political climate.
