Bishop Marian Edgar Budd He is a prominent figure in the Episcopal Church, serving as spiritual leader of 86 congregations and ten Episcopal schools throughout Washington, D.C., and parts of Maryland. She is also the first woman elected to the position, overseeing the ministries of the Washington National Cathedral.
A passionate advocate for justice and inclusivity, Bishop Budd has become a leading voice in addressing issues such as racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration reform.
A bold confrontation with Trump
On Tuesday, Bishop Budd directly addressed President Donald Trump during a prayer service at the National Cathedral in Washington. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance sat in the front row while Buddy made a plea for empathy and compassion, especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community and immigrant families.
“Allow me to make a final appeal, Mr. President,” Budi said during her speech. “Millions have placed their trust in you. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy on the people in our country who are afraid now.”
Budd’s comments came a day after Trump signed several controversial executive orders, including one that ended birthright citizenship and another defining women as “biologically distinct from men.” She criticized these policies, emphasizing the contributions of illegal immigrants to American society and urging Trump to consider their humanity.
Backlash from Trump allies
Agence France-Presse news
Budd’s sermon sparked sharp criticism from Trump’s allies. Republican Representative Mike Collins of Georgia posted a tweet on social media, calling for Buddy to be “added to the deportation list,” despite her being an American citizen. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama accused her of disrespecting the president during a sacred occasion, while Robert Jeffress, Trump’s informal religious adviser, called the sermon an insult.
Trump himself rejected the service, telling reporters: “I don’t think it was a good service. They could do a much better job.”
Budde’s advocacy and leadership
Bishop Budd has been a consistent critic of Trump’s policies. In 2020, it condemned his use of St. John’s Episcopal Church for a photo opportunity after protesters were forcefully cleared of the area. At the time, Buddy accused Trump of fueling violence and failing to provide moral leadership.
As a married mother of two and a grandmother, Budd balances her personal life with her commitment to justice. Her educational background includes degrees from the University of Rochester and Virginia Theological Seminary. She is also an accomplished author, whose works focus on faith, courage, and spiritual practice.
What is episcopacy?
Episcopal Church He is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which has 70 million members in 164 countries. Episcopalians are Christians who follow a tradition that values Scripture, tradition, and reason. They emphasize inclusivity, allow women to serve as bishops and welcome clergy from the LGBTQ+ community.
Episcopal worship focuses on the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, and follows the Mass outlined in the Book of Common Prayer. This ensures uniformity across congregations while allowing for diversity in interpretation and practice. Baptism is the point of entry into the Church, and all baptized individuals are invited to participate in Communion.
Bishop Budd’s call to the National Prayer Service affirms its commitment to social justice and compassion. By addressing Trump directly, she amplified the voices of the people most affected by his policies. Its leadership highlights the Episcopal Church’s mission of respecting the dignity of every human being and defending the vulnerable in society.