WATCH: Episcopal bishop asks Trump 'to have mercy' on LGBTQ+ communities and immigrants

Published: 21 January 2025
on channel: PBS NewsHour

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The Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., implored newly inaugurated President Donald Trump on Tuesday "to have mercy upon" communities across the country "who are scared now" after his election.

"There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families — some who fear for their lives," Budde said during remarks at an interfaith prayer service at Washington National Cathedral with the president, Vice President JD Vance and their spouses in attendance.

She noted the work of many immigrants to the U.S. who pick crops, clean office buildings, work in the poultry and meatpacking industries and wash dishes in the hospitality field.

"They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals," Budde said. "They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches, mosques, gurdwara and temples."

Budde's comments come after Trump signed executive orders late Monday to declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and pushed for the end the use of an app that allowed migrants seeking asylum to request appointments with American border officials.

"Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land," Budde said before closing her remarks.

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