On the first full day of his presidency, Donald Trump found himself in an unexpected position: sitting quietly in a church service as Episcopal bishop Mariann Budde delivered a powerful message.

The service, meant to kick off his day, took an emotional turn as the bishop addressed issues that were close to her heart—migrants and the LGBTQ+ community.

A Call for Mercy and Compassion

Bishop Budde’s sermon began with a plea for mercy, particularly for vulnerable communities.

She addressed the fears faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, specifically gay, lesbian, and transgender children.

“I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country that are scared now,” she said.

She highlighted the fact that children in families across all political affiliations were living in fear for their lives due to their identity.

Her call for mercy extended to immigrants, urging President Trump to recognize the value of their hard work.

“The people who pick our crops, clean our office buildings, labor in poultry farms, and wash dishes in restaurants might not be citizens or have the proper documentation,” Budde said.

She emphasized that these workers contribute greatly to society, often filling essential, low-skilled jobs.

An Unmoved President

Trump, sitting in the front row with his wife Melania, seemed unfazed by the bishop’s impassioned plea.

After a full day of Inauguration festivities, he appeared tired and distant, staring blankly at the speaker as she continued her message of compassion and mercy.

Bishop Budde also made a strong case against the criminalization of immigrants, asserting, “The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.”

She urged the president to show mercy to those in fear, especially families worried about being separated.

“Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger,” she concluded, reminding everyone that they were all once strangers in a foreign land.

The Backlash and Political Divide

Bishop Budde’s words did not go unnoticed by political critics.

Many Republican figures and Trump supporters were quick to lash out against her sermon.

Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) suggested on social media that Budde should be “added to the deportation list.”

Budde, a staunch advocate for leftist causes, has been vocal about her opposition to Trump in the past.

Her work focuses on racial equity, immigration reform, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, which she highlights on her diocesan website.

She has long been critical of Trump, particularly after his controversial photo-op in front of the Episcopal Church with a Bible during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

Bishop Budde’s Continued Criticism

In a CBS interview the following morning, Bishop Budde expressed her frustration with the new president.

She condemned his actions, calling them “antithetical to the teachings of Jesus” and against the core values of the church.

Later, at a Black Lives Matter protest, she reiterated her stance, saying, “I’ve given up speaking to President Trump. We need to replace President Trump.”

As the political divide continues, it’s clear that Budde’s sermon was just one of many moments where she has voiced her disapproval of the president’s policies and actions.

Her message of compassion and mercy stands in stark contrast to the political climate of the time, making her words all the more poignant.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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