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Rev. Michelle's Message January 30, 2025

One of the more interesting things that has happened since the new POTUS was inaugurated is the sudden fame of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop who gave the homily at the interfaith prayer service after the inauguration, during which she asked President Trump to show “mercy” to immigrants and transgender teenagers. Bishop Budde has since become a lightning rod–criticized and hated by some and lauded as a brave hero by others.

 

Shortly after the service, the new president responded to her on social media, calling her “ungracious,” “boring,” “uninspiring,” “nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart.” He further said that her statements were inappropriate and that she is not very good at her job. The POTUS also “demanded” an apology from the Bishop.

 

Soon, other posts on social media were blasting Bishop Budde for daring to criticize the new POTUS, including one particularly obnoxious post that called her a snake, God’s enemy, and encouraged people to “properly hate in response.”

 

Watching how people respond to this whole thing has been quite interesting as it is revealing more starkly than ever how diametrically opposed folks are in their understanding of faith and the teachings of Jesus. Especially telling is the response from those who are condemning Bishop Budde for “mixing politics and religion.” So I thought this might be an appropriate time to clarify the role of politics in religion.

 

As a nonprofit organization, churches are prohibited from participating in election campaigning and from endorsing specific political candidates or parties. We are not, however, prohibited from speaking out about issues that pertain to human rights, social justice, and public policy. And we certainly are not prohibited from speaking out when people are being harmed or treated in cruel, unjust, or inhumane ways.

 

To say that religious leaders cannot speak on political issues is ludicrous and is simply a tactic for silencing those who criticize the actions of our elected leaders. In fact, there is a long history in both the Christian and Jewish traditions of “prophetic preaching”--which is preaching that challenges the status quo, gives voice to the voiceless, speaks Truth to power, and confronts social injustices.

 

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a great example of someone who used his role as both a religious and civil rights leader to fearlessly speak Truth to power and call for social change. 

In an interview with The Hill, Bishop Budde spoke to the role of politics in religion when she said, “I mean, politics and faith can’t be separated. That’s true. Because politics is about organized community and power and how power affects people. So, to say that religion isn’t political is really, it’s just not … true, right?”

 

She did acknowledge, however, that religious leaders shouldn’t support particular candidates or political parties, going on to explain, “If I were seen as partisan, I think that would be problematic. But, given the way the country is divided — what I’m saying right now is perceived as partisan, but I’m not basing it on the Democratic Party. I’m basing it on my Christian faith and how I interpret what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.” 

I hope this helps to clarify this matter and answer any questions you may have about the role of politics in church. You can certainly expect to hear Rev. Vicky and I speak from the pulpit against cruelty, inhumanity, and social injustice whenever we feel it is appropriate. We, like Bishop Budde, feel it is our duty to do so based on our faith and our own interpretation of what it means to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

 

Many Blessings,

Rev. Michelle




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