On Tuesday a gutsy lady in Washington spoke truth to power. At a church service in Washington National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann E. Budde preached a sermon to a crowd that included President Trump. Making eye contact with him, she made a plea for mercy on behalf of everyone who is frightened by the policies he intends to invoke regarding immigrants, refugees and gay and trans people.
Her message was both surprising and refreshing. It indicated that there are real Christians in the U.S. after all and it is still a compassionate nation.
Both have been thrown into doubt by recent events. A man has risen to the presidency basing his political career largely on hatred of immigrants, and a large swath of Christians have embraced him. Some treat him almost more like a prophet than a politician. Two-thirds of white evangelical protestants and over half of white Catholics view President Trump favourably.
Yet this president is an habitual liar, a misogynist and a fraudster who has undermined democracy and promoted insurrection. He has no apparent morals, ethics or sense of decency. How in God’s name can self-respecting Christians support such a wretch?
He has threatened to deport, using the military as necessary, “millions and millions” of immigrants. The U.S. does indeed need to solve its immigration mess, but his deportations could harm millions of people, many of whom are productive members of their communities and many of whom are children. Whatever is done must be done as humanely as possible. Mercy is imperative and is not mercy a Christian responsibility? Where are all those evangelical Christians to instruct their president on mercy? It is left up to an Episcopalian priest. Bishop Budde’s plea could not be more necessary.
If the president had a shred of humility or grace—good things in a leader—he would have acknowledged the plea. But Trump is all narcissist, he has neither. His response was a diatribe. “The so-called bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a radical left hard line Trump hater,” he blustered, demanding that the bishop and the cathedral apologize.
His supporters showed similar class. A Georgia Republican Congressman said Budde should be deported. (She’s an American citizen.) An Evangelical pastor accused the cathedral of being “taken over by gay activists.” A Catholic anti-abortion activist huffed, “Female bishop is all you needed to know.” MAGA in full flow.
On the other hand, the bishop’s message resonated with a broad range of supporters. The National Cathedral said the church’s office has been awash with messages of support. Her sermon has apparently even caused some to rekindle their faith.
And American Christianity needs some rekindling. When a purported moral institution such as the evangelical church praises a reprobate like Trump, its moral fire has clearly gone out. Perhaps Bishop Budde will light a match to their Christian conscience.