At the historic Washington National Cathedral, a tradition spanning nearly a century took center stage on Tuesday as the National Prayer Service unfolded in the wake of one of the most divisive election cycles in U.S. history. The service, long considered a moment for reflection and healing, offered a poignant call for unity and compassion, with a special plea directed at President Donald Trump.
The ornate cathedral, its stained-glass windows casting multicolored light across the assembled guests, became the backdrop for a deeply emotional and spiritual gathering. It marked the culmination of the presidential inauguration, a symbolic bridge from the turbulence of campaign rhetoric to the gravity of governance. Seated in the front row, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were joined by Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha, and other dignitaries, including members of Congress and key figures from the administration.
Amid the grandeur and solemnity, the Right Reverend Mariann Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, ascended the pulpit to deliver a sermon that would resonate far beyond the cathedral’s walls. Her words were a direct appeal to the president, urging him to lead with compassion and humanity in a time of profound national division.
Speaking with conviction, Budde outlined the principles she believed could guide the country toward healing: honesty, humility, and a commitment to honoring the inherent dignity of every individual. Her voice, steady yet tinged with emotion, echoed through the sacred space as she addressed the president directly, imploring him to consider the plight of the nation’s most vulnerable.
“In the name of God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” Budde said, her gaze steady as she listed those who live in fear under current policies. She spoke of families torn apart by deportation, children who dread losing their parents, and LGBTQ+ individuals whose safety feels increasingly precarious. Her message was not only a critique but also a heartfelt plea for leadership rooted in empathy.
Budde’s words were a bold challenge to the rhetoric and policies that have characterized the Trump administration, particularly concerning immigration. “The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” she stated emphatically. “They pay taxes, contribute to our communities, and are our neighbors. They deserve compassion, not contempt.”
The service, while solemn and reflective, was also a showcase of America’s rich tapestry of faiths and traditions. Representatives of Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Mormon, and other communities offered prayers and readings, underscoring the inclusive spirit of the event. The U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra provided stirring musical interludes, and the Cathedral Choir’s hymns filled the expansive nave, creating an atmosphere of reverence and unity.
Yet, the event was not without its controversies. Chief Jesse J. Swann Jr. of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, initially invited to deliver a Native American invocation, withdrew his participation upon learning of Trump’s attendance. The absence of his voice, though noted, did not diminish the service’s overarching message of solidarity and inclusion.
Throughout the morning, prayers were offered for a wide range of groups, from military personnel and first responders to children, refugees, and the homeless. These prayers, interspersed with readings and hymns, painted a vivid picture of a nation striving to reconcile its ideals with its realities.
In a particularly striking moment, Budde referenced Trump’s own words from his inaugural address, where he claimed divine intervention saved his life during an assassination attempt. She used his statement as a springboard to urge him to extend that same sense of divine purpose to his leadership. “If you believe you were saved by God,” she said, “then let that belief guide you to serve those who need mercy and protection the most.”
Her sermon struck a nerve, both within the cathedral and across the nation, as clips of her remarks quickly circulated online. Critics and supporters alike weighed in, with some lauding her courage and others questioning the appropriateness of her direct appeal. Among the critics was Rep. Mike Collins (R-Georgia), who posted on social media, “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”
Despite such reactions, the service underscored a longstanding tradition of using the National Prayer Service as a platform for reflection and challenge. Since the first such event at the start of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency in 1933, these gatherings have aimed to transcend political divides, serving as a moment for the nation to come together.
Episcopal leaders followed up on Budde’s message by issuing a public letter that called on Congress to resist deportation efforts and protect refugees. Signed by Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris, the letter drew on biblical teachings to advocate for those fleeing oppression. “As Christians,” they wrote, “our faith is shaped by the story of people whom God led into foreign lands to escape suffering.”
The service also highlighted the tensions that have defined Trump’s relationship with the Episcopal Church. Budde herself has been a vocal critic of the president, previously condemning his language and actions. During Trump’s first term, she was among those who spoke out against his use of force to clear protesters for a photo op outside St. John’s Church. Her words on Tuesday carried the weight of her long-standing concerns, yet they were delivered with a tone of hope and a call for change.
As the service concluded and Trump stepped out into the chilly January air, the nation was left to grapple with Budde’s somber warning: “The culture of contempt that has become normalized in this country threatens to destroy us.” Her message, both a critique and a call to action, served as a reminder of the moral responsibility that comes with leadership.
For a country yearning for unity, the National Prayer Service was a moment to pause and reflect on the challenges ahead. It was a call for compassion, not just from the nation’s leaders but from its citizens as well.
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