Mariann Edgar Budde, aged 65, serves as the Episcopal Bishop of Washington and is a prominent advocate for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration reform. She is married to Paul Budde, and they have two sons, Amos (married to Erika) and Patrick, along with grandchildren. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Budde’s work has earned her a net worth estimated at $1.5 million in 2025. Her impassioned sermon during President Donald Trump’s inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral showcased her commitment to unity and inclusivity in a polarized nation.
Key Takeaways
- Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, aged 65, delivered a powerful sermon at President Trump’s inaugural prayer service, calling for compassion toward LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented immigrants.
- She highlighted the fears of marginalized groups amidst Trump’s executive orders, including the elimination of birthright citizenship.
- Budde’s career is marked by advocacy for justice, including racial equality, gun violence prevention, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Trump dismissed the service as “not too exciting,” but Budde’s message resonated with those seeking unity.
- The Washington National Cathedral continues its tradition of interfaith prayer services, emphasizing diversity and inclusion.
A Direct Appeal for Unity and Compassion
During her 15-minute sermon at the Washington National Cathedral, Bishop Budde addressed President Trump with a heartfelt plea for mercy on vulnerable communities. Her words resonated as she highlighted the fears of LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented migrant workers, who, in her words, are “scared now.” She urged the president to recognize the providential hand of God and act with compassion.
This plea came amidst a backdrop of controversial executive orders issued by Trump on his first day in office, including a rollback of transgender rights and policies aimed at restricting immigration. Trump’s executive order eliminating birthright citizenship has sparked widespread criticism and fear among immigrants, as it restricts automatic citizenship to children born to U.S. citizens or green card holders.
Advocacy Rooted in Faith
Bishop Budde’s call for compassion and unity aligns with her long-standing advocacy for social justice. As the ninth bishop of Washington since 2011, she leads 86 congregations and ten Episcopal schools across the District of Columbia and Maryland. Her leadership extends to her role as chair of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, overseeing the ministries of the Washington National Cathedral.
Her educational journey is equally impressive, with a B.A. in History from the University of Rochester and advanced theological degrees, including a Masters in Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary. Budde’s passion for inclusivity has been a hallmark of her ministry, addressing issues like gun violence prevention, racial equality, and environmental care.
A Voice for the Marginalized
Bishop Budde’s sermon underscored her commitment to marginalized communities. “They are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families,” she said, advocating for their safety and inclusion. Her words carried significant weight as LGBTQ+ rights faced challenges under the new administration.
Budde’s history of bold statements includes her outspoken criticism of Trump’s 2020 appearance at St. John’s Episcopal Church, where peaceful protesters were cleared for a photo opportunity with a Bible. She called the event “outrageous” and condemned the former president’s rhetoric, which she believed incited the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.
Trump’s Dismissive Reaction
Despite the heartfelt nature of the sermon, President Trump dismissed the service, calling it “not too exciting” and suggesting it could have been better. This response, however, did little to diminish the impact of Budde’s message, which resonated with millions of Americans seeking unity and hope.
A Tradition of Interfaith Unity
The Washington National Cathedral’s inaugural prayer service is a longstanding tradition dating back to 1933, bringing together leaders of various faiths to pray for the president and the nation. This year’s service featured over a dozen religious leaders representing Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, and Muslim traditions, highlighting the diverse fabric of the United States.
Budde emphasized that the goal of the service was to foster unity. “Unity is not partisan,” she declared, stressing that community across diversity and division is essential for national progress.
Bishop Budde’s words at the 2025 inaugural prayer service serve as a reminder of the power of faith to challenge divisiveness and inspire compassion. As a leader who has consistently used her platform to advocate for the vulnerable, her message continues to resonate across political and social divides.