Bishop Urges President Trump to Show Compassion for LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Communities
2025-01-22
Author: Olivia
Bishop Urges President Trump to Show Compassion for LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Communities
In a poignant moment during the U.S. presidential inaugural prayer service, Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, made a heartfelt appeal to President Donald Trump, urging him to "have mercy" on the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented immigrants facing uncertainty in the United States.
Speaking directly to Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance from the pulpit, Budde emphasized the fears and vulnerabilities that many Americans experience, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. “Millions have put their trust in you, Mr. President. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” she implored, highlighting the struggles of gay, lesbian, and transgender youth across various political affiliations.
The bishop's heartfelt message came just a day after Trump had made controversial remarks during his inauguration speech, asserting the existence of only two genders and announcing a series of executive orders aimed at tightening immigration policies and diminishing transgender protections. This aggressive stance included deploying the U.S. military to aid border security and issuing a significant asylum ban.
Budde used her platform to advocate for immigrants, recognizing their invaluable contributions to society. "The people who pick our crops, clean our office buildings, and work in hospitals may not have citizenship, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals," she stated. She urged Trump to show compassion for families fearing separation due to immigration policies and for those fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries.
In response, Trump dismissed the service, stating, "I didn’t think it was a good service," and criticized Budde on his social media platform, branding her a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” while calling for an apology. His remarks suggested a dismissive view toward religious leaders who engage in political discourse, particularly those who critique his policies.
The inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral aimed to foster national unity and was attended by high-profile figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. This event marks a continued tradition of prayer services for newly inaugurated presidents, a practice that has been observed since 1933.
Bishop Budde has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s rhetoric, previously condemning him for fostering division and violence, particularly following the January 6 Capitol riots. Many in the religious community have voiced similar concerns about the intersection of faith and politics, especially regarding the treatment of marginalized groups.
As the nation grapples with issues of immigration, gender identity, and civil rights, Budde’s call for compassion resonates as a powerful reminder of the moral obligations leaders have to protect the most vulnerable among us. This sermon not only highlighted current social issues but also set a precedent for how spiritual leaders can challenge political narratives in pursuit of justice and equality.