Staff Reports
Mariann Budde, the famously liberal Episcopal bishop of Washington, DC, took it upon herself to deliver a sermon at the National Prayer Service that would make any reasonable person roll their eyes. With a flair for melodrama, she urged former President Trump to have “mercy” on LGBTQ children, declaring that some reportedly “fear for their lives.” It seems Budde is under the impression that her pulpit is a soapbox for political activism, rather than a space for genuine spiritual guidance.
Standing at the iconic Washington National Cathedral, Budde aimed her impassioned rhetoric at Trump and the gathered audience, dramatizing the plight of children who she claims are petrified. She tossed around labels of fearfulness without addressing the root cause of insecurity, letting the media-fueled narrative take the lead. Her next move? Calling for compassion towards illegal immigrants as well, making a case that “the vast majority of them are not criminals.” It’s a heartwarming thought, if one conveniently ignores the reality that illegal immigration is often a complicated issue involving far more than just good ol’ hard work.
Trump and his family reportedly had priceless expressions while Budde delivered her lecture, which is shocking given that they were likely expecting a prayer service rather than a political rally. Budde, however, has a well-documented history of attacking Trump. Most notably, during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, when St. John’s Episcopal Church—one of her churches—was damaged, her outrage was primarily directed at the former President’s photo op, rather than the actual fire that wreaked havoc.
Priestess is an enabler
‘Unapologetically Liberal’ Episcopal Priestess Asks Trump for ‘Mercy’ on LGBTQ Children at National Prayer Servicehttps://t.co/rgwOAsgrEr— Scott Kent (@001rocket62) January 22, 2025
Budde’s antics in the pulpit weren’t merely confined to this occasion. Her previous comments have shown a persistent disdain for Trump, claiming that he turned symbols sacred to her tradition into tools of political theatrics. This is quite rich, coming from someone who has decried Trump while having no qualms about taking part in the political machinery herself, even donating to Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign.
After Budde’s recent sermon, backlash came swiftly. Notable figures like Charlie Kirk took to social media to point out the glaring irony of Budde being given an opportunity to unify Americans while instead delivering a lecture reminiscent of something that could have aired on CNN. Even legal immigrants like Senator Bernie Moreno found her sermon outrageous, emphasizing the deep-seated frustrations of those who worked hard to come to this country the right way and were now being lectured by someone who seemingly conflates mercy with political correctness. The vitriol directed towards Budde underscores a growing impatience in America with political figures masquerading as spiritual leaders while failing to focus on the message of unity and humility that faith should ideally impart.
