
The Bishop Who Pleaded With Trump: ‘Was Anyone Going to Say Anything?’
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., recently spoke out against President Donald Trump’s visit to St. John’s Episcopal Church, following the dispersal of peaceful protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets. In an interview with NPR, Bishop Budde expressed her dismay and disappointment at the president’s actions, questioning whether anyone was going to “say anything” about the use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
The bishop’s comments came in response to Trump’s photo-op at the historic church, which took place just moments after law enforcement officers forcibly cleared Lafayette Square of protesters. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many criticizing the president for using the church as a prop for a political photo opportunity.
Bishop Budde, who oversees St. John’s Episcopal Church, was particularly troubled by the use of force against peaceful protesters, who had gathered in the square to demand justice for George Floyd, a black man who was killed by police in Minneapolis. She expressed her concern that the president’s actions were not in line with the teachings of Christianity, which emphasize love, justice, and compassion for all people.
In her interview with NPR, Bishop Budde made it clear that she did not support the president’s visit to the church, and that she was not informed of his plans beforehand. She also expressed her frustration at the lack of leadership and accountability in the wake of the incident, questioning whether anyone in a position of power was willing to speak out against the use of force against peaceful protesters.
Bishop Budde’s words have struck a chord with many Americans who are deeply troubled by the events that unfolded in Lafayette Square. Her plea for someone to speak out against the injustice and violence that occurred that day reflects the growing sense of outrage and frustration that many people are feeling in the face of police brutality and systemic racism.
As a religious leader, Bishop Budde’s words carry a powerful message of compassion, empathy, and justice. Her willingness to speak out against the actions of the president, even at the risk of facing backlash, serves as a reminder to all of us that we have a moral obligation to stand up for what is right and just.
In the midst of a national crisis that is testing the very fabric of our society, Bishop Budde’s courage and conviction are a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her call for accountability and leadership in the face of injustice serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable society for all.