Meet Mariann Budde, the Bishop Who Confronted Trump Over LGBTQ Rights

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, garnered national attention for her pointed remarks directed at President Donald Trump during a presidential service at the Washington National Cathedral.

In her sermon, Budde called on Trump to exercise compassion towards LGBTQ individuals and immigrants, populations adversely affected by his administration's executive actions. The bishop articulated the widespread fear experienced by many across the country, asserting that LGBTQ children belong to families of diverse political backgrounds.

She further asserted that many immigrants, often serving in essential roles, should not be labelled as criminals solely because they lack proper documentation. Trump's demeanour during the service, where he sat in the front pew alongside his family and Vice President JD Vance, was reportedly one of discontent.

"The people who pick our farms and clean our office buildings, who labour in poultry farms and meat packing plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals -- they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation. But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals," she said.

Since her appointment in 2011, Budde has managed 88 Episcopal congregations and 10 schools in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. As chair and president of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, her leadership has been characterized by a commitment to social justice and advocacy for marginalized groups, with a readiness to challenge what she perceives as unjust policies.

In a notable incident in 2020, Budde criticized Trump for utilizing the Bible as a prop during a photo opportunity at St. John's Church, which took place shortly after law enforcement used tear gas against racial justice demonstrators. She condemned the president for exploiting sacred symbols to further agendas she believes are contrary to biblical principles.

Budde expressed concern over a perceived rise in cruelty within American society, advocating for leaders and citizens alike to embrace compassion and mercy. Meanwhile, reports from the New York Times and Ipsos poll indicate significant public support for the deportation of unauthorized immigrants.