Compassion vs. Criticism: A Balanced Look at Bishop Budde’s Sermon

Days ago, former President Donald Trump attended a service at the Washington National Cathedral, where Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a sermon that addressed pressing social issues, including trans rights and immigration. Her remarks, which called for compassion and understanding toward marginalised communities, quickly became a flashpoint for controversy, particularly among Trump supporters.

One of the most vocal critics of the sermon was Michael Deacon, who published an article on Anglican.ink titled "This woke bishop’s pathetic attack on Trump sums up why he won." Deacon’s piece dismissed the bishop’s remarks as “liberal grandstanding” and “progressive drivel,” framing her sermon as an inappropriate and partisan attack on the former president. However, while Deacon’s article is undoubtedly provocative, it raises questions about the tone, fairness, and depth of his critique.

Deacon’s tone throughout the article is overtly dismissive and inflammatory, using phrases like “toe-curling lecture” and “risible twaddle.” While this style may resonate with readers who share his political leanings, it detracts from the credibility of his arguments. The lack of objectivity makes it difficult to engage with the substance of his critique, as the piece feels more like a partisan attack than a balanced analysis.

The article frames Bishop Budde’s sermon as a “lecture” and dismisses her concerns about marginalised groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants. However, the bishop’s plea for compassion aligns with core Christian teachings of love and care for the vulnerable. Deacon’s characterisation of her message as “scaremongering propaganda” oversimplifies the fears and challenges faced by these communities, particularly in the context of Trump-era policies.

Deacon asserts that “none of Trump’s policies put gay or trans lives at risk,” a claim that ignores the broader implications of policies such as the transgender military ban and the rollback of anti-discrimination protections. These policies, while not explicitly life-threatening, have contributed to a climate of fear and marginalisation for LGBT+ individuals. Similarly, Deacon’s dismissal of the bishop’s comments on immigration overlooks the real fears experienced by undocumented immigrants and their families. By reducing these complex issues to partisan talking points, the article fails to engage with the nuances of the bishop’s concerns.

The article also employs strawman arguments to ridicule the bishop’s stance on gender identity. Deacon sarcastically questions whether the bishop believes God makes mistakes, misrepresenting the theological and scientific discussions surrounding gender identity. This approach trivializes a deeply personal and complex issue, reducing it to a caricature for the sake of argument.

Rather than engaging constructively with the bishop’s message, Deacon focuses on mocking her and dismissing her concerns. A more thoughtful critique would have acknowledged the validity of her perspective, even if disagreeing with it, and provided a reasoned counterargument. Instead, the article prioritises provocation over meaningful dialogue, missing an opportunity to explore the intersection of faith, politics, and social justice in a more nuanced way.

Michael Deacon’s article is a provocative piece that priorities inflammatory rhetoric over thoughtful analysis. While it may appeal to readers who share his political views, its dismissive tone, misrepresentation of the bishop’s message, and oversimplification of complex issues undermine its credibility. A more balanced and nuanced critique would have been more effective in addressing the bishop’s sermon and its implications.

Here is a video of the sermon below, and let us keep Bishop Budde and the Episcopal Church in our prayers as they work to address social issues through the lens of faith, even amidst the challenges of an unapologetic president.

Trump, who claims that God saved his life to “make America great again,” should reflect on the humility and grace that such a claim demands. Criticising bishops of God’s church, who are called to preach compassion and justice, undermines the very faith he professes to uphold. If Trump truly believes in his divine purpose, he should lead with understanding and respect for those who serve God’s mission.

And as for that awkward photo of Trump and Bishop Budde, it looked less like a moment of spiritual unity and more like a scene from a sitcom where the bishop is trying to bless him, and Trump is wondering if he can trademark the prayer.

Editor's Note: A great follow-up to this article is "Why Every Christian Should Fear Trump’s Response to Bishop Budde’s Homily" by Adrian Drayton, featured on UCA Insights.