Episcopal Bishop calls for ‘unity’ at politicized prayer breakfast, makes ‘plea’ to Trump to ‘have mercy’ on LGBTQ, illegal immigrants ‘who are scared now’

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde called repeatedly for "unity" in America as Trump's term begins, though she seemed to be talking more to Trump directly than to any of his opponents. Budde said that it is "incumbent upon us to speak the truth" as she called for a "commitment to unity that incorporates diversity." Two of Trump's first executive orders eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the federal level and reversed Biden's gender orders, bringing biological reality and common sense back to policy on women, girls, and education.

"Let me make one final plea, Mr. President," Budde said, "Millions have put their trust in you and as you told the nation yesterday you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.

"There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives," she went on. "And the people, the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking 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. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, wadara, and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away."

"And that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here," Budde went on. "Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land. May God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being, to speak the truth to one another in love and to walk humbly with one another and out God for the good of all people, for the good of all people in this nation and the world." She concluded with an Amen.

Human Events senior editor posted in response, "Why should the National Cathedral be allowed to maintain its tax exempt status if their Bishopess is attacking the President at the National Prayer Service?"

The page about Budde for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington describes her as “an advocate and organizer in support of justice concerns, including racial equity, gun violence prevention, immigration reform, the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons, and the care of creation.”

In June 2020, Budde was staunchly opposed to Trump, saying: "We need to replace President Trump" when asked what her message was. This came amid the George Floyd riots which rocked the nation after his death in police custody. The Washington National Cathedral was the setting for the interfaith event and Budde was chosen as one of the religious figures who would preach, among others.

Trump responded to the speech, asking the press, "What did you think?" and added that it was "not too exciting."