Bishop Comments Following Service
Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde has once again placed herself at the forefront of political and cultural discourse, this time by openly acknowledging her intent to “stand counter” to President Donald Trump.
Her comments, made during an appearance on CNN following an inaugural prayer service where she took direct aim at Trump’s policies, highlight the growing trend of religious leaders stepping into the political arena.
Budde’s remarks are striking for their overt candor. On CNN, she admitted to tailoring her sermon as though she were addressing the president directly, using the pulpit as a platform to critique his stance on contentious issues like illegal immigration and gender ideology.
“I was looking at the president because I was speaking directly to him,” Budde explained, while also noting that her message was intended for a broader audience. By invoking themes of mercy and compassion, she sought to challenge the tone of Trump’s campaign rhetoric, which she claimed had painted vulnerable populations “in the harshest of lights.”
Of course, she is.
First CNN, now The View. She’s just a political activist. https://t.co/2v9UQascmT
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) January 22, 2025
The bishop’s rhetoric underscores her perception of the pulpit as a place not just for spiritual guidance but for moral critique of political figures. Her words on CNN left little room for interpretation: she aimed to “remind us all” of the humanity of those she believes have been marginalized. She framed her message as one of gentle correction, urging the president to consider “room for mercy” and a “broader compassion” in his leadership. This approach, while couched in theological language, carried clear political implications.
The way you know this “bishop” was sincere and isn’t just a political mouthpiece is that she immediately went on CNN to double down. pic.twitter.com/MqlNGLcobu
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) January 22, 2025
However, the apparent contradiction in Budde’s public statements has raised eyebrows. While she was explicit on CNN about her deliberate opposition to Trump’s positions, just days later on “The View,” she downplayed the political motives of her remarks, suggesting that others had misconstrued her intent.
This inconsistency has only fueled criticism from those who argue that religious leaders should avoid using their authority to promote political agendas, particularly during moments of national unity like an inaugural prayer service.