Washington, USA: Homily by The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde in the presence of President Trump

The Episcopal bishop of Washington preaching at the inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral yesterday (Tuesday). Her final words were addressed directly to President Trump to have mercy and compassion for LGBTQ people and undocumented migrant workers.

Link to full homily of The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde at the Washington National Cathedral.

The ‘one final plea’ directly to President Trump starts at 12’25″… or see second link below for the actual clip.

Link to the end of the sermon – ‘one final plea Mr President’:

https://apnews.com/video/reverend-at-inaugural-prayer-service-implores-trump-to-have-mercy-on-lgbtq-people-and-migrants-1667ce77106b4fcbb92658f92ec772bc

Tony Flannery’s blog – https://www.tonyflannery.com/trump-and-the-episcopalian-bishop/

Trump and the Episcopalian Bishop

I watched Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Washington Episcopal Church speak at the ceremony on the morning after Donald Trump was inaugurated as President of the U.S. She addressed him directly, speaking on behalf of the poor and underprivileged in her city. She did not in any way deviate from the fundamentals of the Christian Gospel. She spoke in a gentle, respectful voice. I was immensely impressed by her. 

This morning I read that Trump has demanded an apology, and used the words ‘nasty’, ‘hate’ and ‘boring’ in reference to her. 

I really hope she does not back down, or in any way water down what she said. It was admirable. 

But I mostly hope that before this day is out we will hear from many Catholic voices coming out in strong support of her, and particularly from members of the U.S Catholic bishops. They already have the example of Francis, who described what Trump is proposing as a ‘disgrace’. If they remain silent in the face of this, and allow all the heat to be taken by this admirable woman alone, they themselves will be a disgrace.

So I await in hope, but also in trepidation. In recent years Catholic bishops have not distinguished themselves in courage. This is in many ways a defining moment.

NCR Online: US bishops set down some markers on immigration

by Michael Seán Winters

President Donald Trump came out swinging on the issue of immigration.

“First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border,” Trump said in his inaugural address. “All illegal entry will immediately be halted. And we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.”

Trump promised to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy. He pledged to send troops to our southern border “to repel the disastrous invasion of our country.”

The leaders of the U.S. hierarchy do not throw punches. But they are setting down some markers.

“While we wish the new administration success in promoting the common good, the reports being circulated of planned mass deportations targeting the Chicago area are not only profoundly disturbing but also wound us deeply,” said Cardinal Blase Cupich in a statement issued during a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. “We are proud of our legacy of immigration that continues in our day to renew the city we love. This is a moment to be honest about who we are.”

Cupich acknowledged that governments have the responsibility to defend their borders, but strongly affirmed, “we also are committed to defending the rights of all people, and protecting their human dignity.”

Cardinal Joseph Tobin, speaking at an interfaith gathering in Newark, New Jersey, the week before the inauguration, said, “We’re deeply concerned about the potential impact of mass deportation on children and families. Within the Catholic tradition and other faith expressions represented here today, we’re able to see the humanity in everyone.”

At the same event, Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas, chair of the bishops’ committee on migration, was equally firm. “We are at risk of losing part of our soul as a nation, so this is a time of great concern,” he said.

Translation: “If you are going to go after the migrants, you have to go through us.” …

Link to full article:

https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/ncr-voices/us-bishops-set-down-some-markers-immigration?utm_source=NCR+List&utm_campaign=ff3f4c1634-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_01_22_02_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6981ecb02e-ff3f4c1634-230658942