20 hours ago
Last Updated:January 22, 2025, 00:01 IST
Washington’s Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde made the request at the interfaith Service of Prayer for the Nation at the Washington Cathedral.
US President Donald Trump stands near Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde as he attends the Day of Prayer Service at the Washington Cathedral in Washington, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the bishop of Washington, pleaded to US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to have mercy on immigrants during the interfaith Service of Prayer for the Nation at the Washington Cathedral.
“They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation – but the vast majority… are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbours, they are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues and temples," Bishop Mariann said.
“They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals".Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde pleads to President Donald Trump to have ‘mercy upon the US people’ as he begins his second term in office.https://t.co/BJ3puFcbYY pic.twitter.com/UigIiVYhXB
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 21, 2025
“I ask you to have mercy, Mr President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing warzones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here," she said.
She further added that God teaches its followers to be merciful to the stranger, and asks that “God grant us the strength and courage to honour the dignity of every human being".
Trump and JD Vance, sat in the front row, listened on without any expression on their faces.
Broadcaster Sky News said that when a reporter asked him what he thought about the sermon, Trump replied, “What did you think? Not very exciting." He added, “They could’ve done a better job."
The bishop also some LGBT+ Americans currently fear for their lives.
The remarks come a day after Trump signed various orders aimed at reshaping how the United States manages immigration and citizenship.
One declared a national emergency at the southern border.
Trump also promised a mass deportation operation involving the military, which he says will target those he called “criminal aliens."
In the Oval Office, Trump also signed an order revoking birthright citizenship.
He repealed various executive orders promoting diversity programs and LGBTQ equality, in line with his promised attack on “woke" culture.
He overturned decrees promoting diversity and equality in the government, businesses and healthcare, as well as the rights of LGBTQ Americans.
Trump said that moving forward the US government will only recognize “two genders, male and female".
Location :Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:January 21, 2025, 23:58 IST
News world ‘Vast Majority Aren’t Criminals’: Bishop Urges Trump To Have Mercy On Immigrants | Video
