Bishop Mariann Budde, known for her bold stance and sermons, recently grabbed attention when she addressed President Trump in a sermon. The bishop asked the President to reconsider some of his policies, particularly those affecting immigrants and marginalized groups.
This sermon, delivered during the National Prayer Service on Inauguration Day, was perceived by Trump and his supporters as a political commentary rather than a religious message.
In her own words, Budde described the moment as a necessary conversation she felt compelled to have with the President before it was too late. The result was a viral sermon that was both praised and critiqued.
Bishop Budde pointed out her concerns regarding how the new administration was portraying transgender youth and undocumented immigrants. She felt these portrayals were unduly negative and harsh.
In an interview with CNN, Budde confirmed that her words were directed at the sitting President. Her aim was to remind him of the many individuals in the country living in fear and uncertainty.
“Every person is a human being deserving of dignity,” she emphasized, highlighting the need for fair treatment of all minority groups, a principle she believes was overlooked during the President’s campaign.
Bishop Budde expressed, “I wanted to respond to him as respectfully as possible, reinforcing that humanity and inclusivity are central to our community.”
Her sermon sparked a significant backlash, especially from Trump supporters who criticized her actions and even called for her deportation. The President himself reacted with surprise and frustration, commenting on the mixture of politics and religion in her address.