Episcopal bishop pushes Trump on immigration at inaugural interfaith prayer service

WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde of Washington raised some concerns Jan. 21 over policies being advanced by the new Trump administration, asking President Donald Trump at an event where he was in attendance to show “mercy” to migrants and refugees coming to the U.S. for a better life.

She also warned of a “culture of contempt” that she said threatens the nation’s existence.

Her challenge came in her sermon during an interfaith national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, attended by Trump and Vice President JD Vance the day after they were sworn into office.

The Episcopal cathedral hosted “A Service of Prayer for the Nation,” part of a long-standing tradition at the capital city landmark on the day after the presidential inauguration that began in 1933. But this particular Anglican faith tradition has some tension points with Trump’s stated policy positions, and Bishop Budde of Washington raised those concerns in her sermon.

Addressing her comments to the new president, who has taken hardline stances on immigration, including his call for mass deportations, Bishop Budde said she was concerned for “the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meat packing 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,” Bishop Budde said. “They pay taxes and are our good neighbors, they are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara, 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.”

Vance appeared to cast a pointed glance at Trump during the remarks, and first lady Melania Trump appeared to look his way as well. But Trump did not appear to visibly react to the comments.

Bishop Budde also expressed concern about what she called “the culture of contempt that has become normalized in this country” which she said “threatens to destroy us.”

“We are all bombarded daily with messages from what sociologists now call the outrage industrial complex, some of that driven by external forces whose interests are furthered by a polarized America,” she said.

Budde also asked Trump to show “mercy” to those who are “scared” of what his presidency means for them, such as “gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives.”

Trump later told reporters he found the service “not too exciting.”

“They could do much better,” Trump added.

Religion News Service reported that Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Vatican’s ambassador to the U.S., was among the interfaith clergy in the room.

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