The Bishop of Washington, Mariann Edgar Budde, criticized Donald Trump’s policies on migrants and the LGBTQ community during a service on January 21 at the Washington National Cathedral. Addressing Trump directly, she urged: “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”

The bishop highlighted the fears of LGBTQ children and undocumented workers, stating, “The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.” Her plea received mixed reactions on social media, with some supporting her message of compassion while others criticized her stance.

Trump dismissed the service as “not too exciting” and said, “They could do much better.” In response, Budde told CNN she aimed to offer “a reminder of their humanity and their place in our wider community.”

After a social media break, Budde returned to Instagram on February 25, thanking supporters. Surrounded by fan mail, she encouraged unity, saying, “Now is a time for us to stand together… and learn together how we are to be brave now.”

She concluded, “Together, God will work through us to bring about the kind of society… we want to pass on to those who come after us.”