Trump’s Response to Bishop’s Sermon on Unity Is Un-American
There’s a reason the Constitution's framers chose to separate religion from government control, and it’s served the US well.
Separation of church and state is necessary.
Photographer: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North AmericaLast week, the Washington National Cathedral hosted an interfaith Service of Prayer for the Nation. During the service, Bishop Mariann Budde delivered a sermon on unity that included Christian values of care, community, sacrifice, love, mercy, forgiveness and hospitality. She preached against contempt and implored everyone listening to honor the inherent dignity of all people, to be honest in our public and private conversations and to be humble. She also spoke directly to President Donald Trump, appealing to him “in the name of our God” and asking him to show mercy to those who were living in fear — specifically gay, lesbian and transgender children and children of immigrants who are scared that their parents may be deported.
Trump issued a response the next day, referring to Bishop Budde as a “so-called Bishop,” claiming her statements were “inappropriate” and demanding an apology from her and from the church. Conservative media and Republican lawmakers also condemned Bishop Budde’s sermon. In some particularly outrageous reactions, one member of Congress introduced a resolution to “fully condemn the distorted message” and another even suggested she should be deported for her actions. But her sermon also received widespread praise and support, including from the Episcopal Church.