In a moment that felt both bold and deeply spiritual, Bishop Mariann Budde made headlines last week when she publicly urged President Trump to “have mercy.” Her words, delivered during a prayer service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., resonated powerfully with many liberal Christians who often feel overshadowed by more conservative voices in their faith.

For some, Bishop Budde’s message was a breath of fresh air. At the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Dallas, parishioners like Michelle Williams, 55, found her sermon deeply moving. “It’s Jesus 101,” Williams said, referencing a Bible passage from Luke that emphasizes helping the poor and marginalized. The timing of the sermon, coinciding with Trump’s inauguration, made it feel especially relevant.

The bishop’s plea wasn’t just about politics—it was a call to embody core Christian values. Sara Ivey, 71, another churchgoer, compared Budde’s words to Psalm 103, which describes God as “merciful and gracious.” Watching the sermon live, Ivey felt a renewed sense of pride in her faith. “It reminded me why I’m an Episcopalian,” she shared.

While Trump dismissed Budde as a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” on social media, many saw her message as a courageous stand for compassion and justice. For progressive Christians, it was a rare moment of visibility in a religious landscape often dominated by conservative ideologies.

Budde’s sermon didn’t just spark conversations—it reignited hope for those who’ve felt sidelined in their own faith communities. As one parishioner put it, “It’s not about politics. It’s about what it means to truly follow Jesus.”