The Right Rev Mariann Edgar Budde's Mercy Call to Trump
Budde, the first woman to serve as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, urged Trump to show mercy to 'gay, lesbian and transgender children' and 'families fearing deportation' during her sermon on Tuesday.
Budde's Leadership
Budde has been leading the diocese since her election to the role in 2011. Before that, she served as the rector of St John’s Episcopal church in Minneapolis for 18 years.
Budde's Call for Mercy
Budde emphasized the contributions of immigrants, telling the president: 'The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,' adding that they were 'good neighbors' and 'faithful members of our churches, mosques and synagogues, gurdwara and temples.'
'Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were once strangers in this land,' she said.
Budde's Previous Criticisms of Trump
This is not the first time that Budde has called out and clashed with Trump. During Trump's first term, Budde published an opinion piece in the New York Times, expressing outrage over Trump's appearance in front of St John’s Episcopal church in Washington DC.
Budde also stated that she had 'given up speaking to President Trump', adding: 'We need to replace President Trump.' 'We need leadership that will lead us in the ways that this country deserves,' she said.
Budde's Conclusion
In her remarks, Budde emphasized the importance of respecting the honor and dignity of every human being, basic honesty and humility, and the need for mercy and compassion.