Bishop Budde’s Plea for Mercy and a Call to Action

GUEST WRITER: DEBORAH JODREY

January 20, 2025. What a strange countdown to this day. This countdown stood in stark contrast to the excitement I typically feel around the holidays, the lead-up to New Year’s Eve, and the countdown to a “Happy New Year!” with a glass of champagne or sparkling grape juice in hand. This is the moment when hugs and kisses are shared with loved ones alongside hopes and dreams for the new year. 

The countdown to January 20, 2025, felt contradictory to the hopes and resolutions a new year so often brings. It was hard for me to even identify my hopes and dreams leading up to this new year, knowing what would be coming just a few weeks later. For me, the countdown to January 20, 2025, was filled with dread and fear. 

Instead of hoping for real progress—safeguarding the rights of queer and trans people, Black and Brown communities, and immigrants—I was just hoping we wouldn’t slide too far backward. Instead of looking for stronger environmental protections, I hoped we could simply hold our breath, avoid any sudden moves, and let the next four years pass as uneventfully as possible. I knew genuine progress was impossible, but maybe—just maybe—we could at least get by.

Over the weekend, I tried avoiding the news as much as possible and instead focused on the inspiring work done and words said in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. I visited a friend, watched TV, and snuggled with my sweet pup. As long as I didn’t read any headlines, maybe nothing bad was happening. I didn’t even want to know when the inauguration was. I tried to give it as little of my energy as possible. However, it didn’t take long to see the headlines as I scrolled through Instagram later that evening. I even tried unfollowing some of my main news outlets just to get a little break, but it didn’t matter. The headlines continued to roll in as our new president immediately signed several executive orders—each carrying potentially devastating impacts on trans people, immigrants, the environment, and more.

God, have mercy. If, like me, you are struggling to find hope and a glimmer of light, know you are not alone. If, like me, you are struggling to know how to continue to serve the young people in your life during this administration, you are not alone.

Bishop Budde’s Plea for Mercy

On the afternoon of January 21, I received a text from a friend asking, “Have you seen this yet?” The text contained a link to the last three minutes of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s sermon at Washington National Cathedral’s Service of Prayer for the Nation, which our new president and vice president attended. I listened to those final three minutes and then replayed her entire sermon twice more. It was a call for unity and a plea for mercy. 

God, have mercy. Mr. President, have mercy.

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If you haven’t yet listened to or watched Bishop Budde’s sermon, I invite you to be inspired by her brave words and share them with your young people.

Below are some resources on ways to respond to the hate that has already been unveiled. If you are struggling with what to say and how to talk about what is already happening in our country just days into this new administration, I hope these resources can help. 

Download FREE Youth Group Lesson: This downloadable resource provides a structured lesson plan centered on Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon and the call to speak truth to power in the face of injustice. Along with background information, scripture readings, discussion prompts, and practical action steps, you’ll also receive a creative coloring page to engage participants of all ages. This lesson is designed to spark meaningful reflection, encourage boldness and unity, and offer real ways to respond to hate with courage and compassion.

Additional Resources: 

1. Post-Election Resources for Kids, Youth, and the Grown-Ups Who Love Them (Illustrated Ministry)
2. The Bishop Who Pleaded With Trump: ‘Was Anyone Going to Say Anything?’ (New York Times)
3. Trump’s Executive Orders (New York Times)
4. Rev. Kate Harmon Siberine shares about Bishop Budde and the Inaugural Prayer Service
5. Rev. Kate Harmon Siberine: “Donald Trump heard the gospel and he did NOT like it”
6. After eyebrow-raising sermon to Trump, Bishop Budde beset with criticism and praise (Religion News Service)

Ways to Respond:

Flood the Bishop’s mailbox with love: Download the free youth group lesson and coloring page (above). Color it and write notes of gratitude that you can send to Bishop Budde, or write your own letters of encouragement as she faces hate and backlash for speaking truth to power. You can use this address to send these to Bishop Budde.

Episcopal Church House—Diocese of Washington 
c/o The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde 
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW 
Washington, DC  20016

Advocate for those closest to you: How safe is your church for people who are marginalized and vulnerable during this time? Write letters to your council, session, vestry, etc., sharing your concerns about the president’s actions and your ideas on making your church a safe space for all people. 

Use your voice: Write to your local representatives to ensure protections are in place in your community for those who are vulnerable. Check out this link for more information on how to do this: https://illstrtdm.in/write-representatives 

Buy her book: Did you know Bishop Budde wrote a book on bravery? Consider purchasing it from a local bookstore: https://illstrtdm.in/bishop-budde-book