On Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and their families attended the traditional prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. I watched the service, expecting it to be mild, deferential and non-controversial. After all, that seems to be the pattern with Trump’s second term; fear has stopped so many from criticizing even his most egregious statements and plans.
But Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde took her moment in the spotlight to speak from her heart, directly to the president. She begged him to show compassion for the marginalized people he now has the power to destroy: undocumented immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ+ and trans communities. Speaking from the pulpit of a great edifice dedicated to God, she found her voice and used it to echo the words and teachings of Jesus.
