Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde made headlines when she appeared on “The View” to talk about her recent plea to President Donald Trump during a prayer service. She emphasized her desire for “mercy” towards members of the LGBT community and immigrants, expressing that her message was likely to be seen through a political lens due to the current polarized environment.
During the discussion, co-host Sara Haines inquired whether Budde felt her message was being misunderstood. Budde replied, acknowledging that in today’s atmosphere, it’s nearly impossible to avoid politicization. She warned against a culture that leans toward negative interpretations of people’s words, urging for a more respectful and understanding discourse.
At the prayer service, Budde called for compassion for children who identify as gay, lesbian, or transgender, highlighting the fear they might experience within their families, regardless of political affiliation. She also pointed out that most immigrants are contributing members of society who help their communities rather than posing a threat.
While Budde expressed a wish for a respectful one-on-one conversation with President Trump, she acknowledged that such an invitation would need to come from him. She maintained that her approach would be courteous, reflecting her respect for the office of the presidency.
Trump’s reaction to Budde’s comments was not positive. He later criticized her on social media, labeling her a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and suggesting that she politicized her role in a disrespectful manner. This back-and-forth illustrates the challenges and intricacies of discussing sensitive subjects in today’s divisive political landscape.
Overall, Budde’s call for mercy and understanding amidst fear and division may resonate with many, yet the environment in which these conversations take place remains fraught with tension and political implications.
