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 bloghttps://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

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7 Comments

  1. Cardinal Dolan at the inauguration is scandalous. From all of Trump’s speeches, he knew all that Trump would do about migrants and Trump’s devotion to the rich and powerful, so antithetical to the Gospel. The Bishops’ conference needs to make a profound statement condemning the raids on immigrants. Throughout history Churches have been seen as refuges and inviolable. Only the worst autocrats would raid a church (or any holy place). Those who destroyed sacred places have been relegated to the worst place in history.

  2. Tomy Abraham says:

    The people in Ireland don’t see the destruction of the Church. Are you living in a foolish land, your Church is dead and is almost being buried and you pour praises on a foolish woman? We can just weep for the Church in Ireland just like Jesus wept over Jerusalem.

    1. Thomas Flynn says:

      Actually the church in Ireland is undergoing change, change to a more missionary and caring community. On so many levels it is more Christlike in its determination and direction. Is it perfect? No. If it were then change may not be necessary. It is good to remember that the one constant in life is change. Without change stagnation becomes the norm. So rather than criticise the Irish Catholic Church perhaps you should look more closely at your own and see how alive and proactive within its communities it is.

  3. Joe O'Leary says:

    Bishop Budde is not “a foolish woman.” But she has taken arms against a tsunami of folly, putting her and her family’s safety at risk.

    True folly, exposed in the sheer idolatry and cultism of the Inauguration ceremony, and in Trump’s boast in Las Vegas a day or two ago that — not content with America’s hegemony in culture (Hollywood), money (the almighty $), language, and above all military might (750 military bases in 80 countries) — says he will expand the territory of the country (beginning no doubt with Canada, Greenland, Panama). Words such as Anschluss and Lebensraum come back hauntingly and the defence of democracy and sovereignty that has been to diligent for the last 80 years stands in need of renewal. Moreoever, he has issued a decree eliminating any legitimacy to the gender/sex distinction that leaves space for trans people, which is remorselessly cruel and is based foursquare on an appeal to ignorance and prejudice.

  4. James Mc Donald, C.Ss.R. says:

    Christian leaders gathered at the Catherdal of St. John the Divine to object to the deportation of illegal residents in this country. Where was the Catholic Church? Still silent. Still complicit. Still covering their own backsides. Truly disgraceful…

  5. Dear Friends,
    If you could please clam down and read the following summary on “The Gospel of Jesus Christ” (from Chat GPT, but amazingly, it is pretty accurate.)

    After reading the summary, I kindly invite everyone to seriously reflect:

    1) Is what is going on in the world in accordance with this Summary- (“The Heart of the Gospel”)
    2) Our personal ‘ideas’ or ‘perspectives’ or ‘understanding’ on Christianity, Catholicism and Jesus’s teachings in line with this Summary?
    3) When we hope to proclaim the Gospel and live out its values in our culture and world, are we true to the core values of the Gospel or are we conditioned by these ‘personal perspectives’ or ‘new understanding’ of the Gospel?

    SUMMARY

    The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of God’s plan for humanity’s salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is central to the Christian faith and can be summarized in the following key points:

    God’s Love and Creation: God created humanity in His image, intending for them to live in a loving relationship with Him. However, humanity sinned, bringing separation from God and introducing suffering and death into the world.

    Jesus as the Savior: Jesus, the Son of God, was born to the Virgin Mary and lived a sinless, perfect human life. He taught about God’s Kingdom, love, repentance, forgiveness, and salvation, performing miracles and healing people. His message was one of reconciliation with God, mercy and forgiveness for everyone who is ready to repent.

    The Death of Jesus: Jesus was crucified and died for the sins of humanity. His death was a sacrificial act to atone for the wrongs of the world, taking the punishment humanity deserved upon Himself.

    Resurrection and Victory: After three days, Jesus rose from the dead, demonstrating His power over sin and death. His resurrection offers believers the hope of eternal life with God.

    Salvation Through Faith: The Gospel teaches that salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Belief in Him as Lord and Savior, repentance for sin, and acceptance of His sacrifice are the means by which a person is reconciled to God.

    The Kingdom of God: Jesus’ resurrection and His teachings emphasize the arrival of God’s Kingdom, which is both a present reality and a future hope. Christians are called to live in accordance with this Kingdom, sharing the love of God with others. Jesus taught his disciples to love the sinner but to hate sin!

    Eternal Life: Through Jesus, believers are promised eternal life with God, free from the separation caused by sin. This eternal life is not just a future promise but something that begins in the present as Christians live in relationship with God.

    The Gospel calls individuals to repent, believe in Jesus Christ, and follow Him, living out His teachings in their daily lives.

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