In a sermon that has left many across the world moved, the bishop of the Washington National Cathedral has asked US President Donald Trump to “show mercy” on LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities who may be in fear of their future in the new Republican administration.
Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, who gave the sermon during the National Prayer Service on January 22, said, “Mr President, millions have put their trust in you. And as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our god, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives.”
Referring to the ongoing immigration row, the bishop added: “ The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labour in poultry farms and meat packing plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts and hospitals, they may not be citizens. Or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbours. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdhuwaras, and temples.”
She further said, “I ask you to have mercy, Mr President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away. And that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands, to find compassion and welcome here.”
Responding to the sermon, Trump said, “I didn’t think it was a good service. They could do much better.”
Speaking to CNN after the service, the bishop said, “The two groups I mentioned are our fellow human beings. They have been portrayed in the harshest of light throughout the political campaign. I wanted to counter, as gently as I could, with a reminder of their humanity and their place in our wider community.”