Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, is a prominent religious leader who advocates for social justice issues, including immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.

Rev. Mariann Budde the Episcopal Bishop of Washington defended a plea for mercy she made to President Donald Trump on behalf of immigrants and others during an inaugural prayer service a day before.

The Episcopal bishop of Washington spoke with NPR to discuss her sermon addressing President Trump and why she asked him to have mercy.

Bishop Budde, at the inaugural service, had directly appealed to US President Donald Trump to ‘have mercy’ on the LGBTQ community and migrant workers.

President Donald Trump, left, watches as Rev. Mariann Budde, second right, arrives at the national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump,

Explore how Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde champions inclusivity, compassion, and justice through her leadership in the Episcopal Church.

At a sermon preached to President Trump at Washington National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Budde asked him to "have mercy" on people who are "scared," including LGBTQ+ children.

President Donald Trump Wednesday demanded an apology from the Episcopal bishop who criticized his hardline policies on immigration and LGBTQ rights at the National Prayer Service on his first full day back in the White House.

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Diocese of Washington, says she will continue to pray for President Donald Trump, hours after he lashed out at her over a sermon

President Donald Trump kicked off his second term with a flurry of executive actions on immigration, Jan. 6, health policy and more.

The bishop asked President Trump publicly to “have mercy,” electrifying some liberal churchgoers in an era dominated by conservative versions of Christianity.