She also received supportive letters.
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, who gained international attention for criticizing President Donald Trump in a sermon following his inauguration, shared that she has received over 20,000 letters of support since the incident. Recently, Budde expressed her gratitude in a Facebook video, thanking those who sent messages of encouragement, gifts, and expressions of support.
Budde emphasized that these gestures of kindness have strengthened her belief in a spirit of love and goodness that connects people across the country. She encouraged her supporters to remain hopeful and united, especially in challenging times, reminding them that they are never alone and that they can find strength in one another. Budde expressed confidence that together, with God’s help, people can create a better society for future generations.
In addition to receiving the letters, Budde was commended by The Episcopal Church Executive Council at a recent meeting. Her sermon at the Washington National Cathedral, attended by Trump and his family, focused on calling for mercy for marginalized groups, including LGBTQ individuals, immigrants, and those fleeing persecution. She urged Trump to show compassion toward these vulnerable populations.
The sermon sparked mixed reactions. While many praised it as a courageous and prophetic message, others, including Pastor Rob Pacienza of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, criticized it for being divisive. Pacienza argued that Budde’s remarks were more of a political lecture than a sermon, accusing her of promoting policies that he saw as contrary to Christian values.
Trump also responded to Budde’s sermon, calling her a “Radical Left” figure and demanding an apology. He criticized her for failing to acknowledge the criminal activities of some undocumented immigrants and accused her of fostering division rather than unity.