Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington DC, has announced that she will be resigning from her position. Her departure is set for June 3, 2028, coinciding with the consecration and ordination of the next diocesan bishop. Budde, 66, has served as the spiritual leader of the diocese since her election in 2011 and holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead the Washington diocese.
In a formal resignation letter, Budde explained that she reached her decision after consulting with diocesan leadership and the Presiding Bishop’s office. She noted that preparing for the election of a new leader is a necessary step, though she acknowledged that leaving the diocese she loves will not be easy. The standing committee is scheduled to outline the selection process next week, which will involve appointing two committees to manage the transition. Budde emphasized her commitment to ensuring the diocese remains strong and healthy during this period of change, stating she is praying for her eventual successor.
Budde gained significant national prominence for her outspoken stances, particularly regarding Donald Trump. Following Trump’s second inauguration, she urged him during a sermon to show mercy to immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals, specifically mentioning gay, lesbian, and transgender children who she said were fearful for their lives. Trump responded by demanding an apology, criticizing her for bringing politics into the church and describing her tone as “nasty” and her service as “boring.”
This was not the only clash between the two. During Trump’s first term, Budde wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times, expressing outrage when the president appeared outside St John’s Episcopal church to hold up a Bible for a photo opportunity. This event occurred shortly after federal officers cleared peaceful protesters demonstrating against the police killing of George Floyd. At that time, she criticized Trump for using sacred symbols to project spiritual authority while supporting positions she deemed antithetical to the Bible. Prior to her time in Washington, Budde served for 18 years as the rector of St John’s Episcopal church in Minneapolis.
“Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!”
