The Episcopal bishop of Washington DC, Mariann Edgar Budde, is giving up her office, effective 3 June 2028, following the consecration and ordination of her successor. Her tenure spanned a decade that saw her locked in a public disagreement with President Donald Trump.
Budde announced the decision in a resignation letter. She is the first woman to serve as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal diocese of Washington, a role she has held since her election in 2011. She is 66 years old.
The Letter’s Reason
Budde cited consultation with diocesan leadership and the Presiding Bishop’s office in her resignation letter, stating that she had come to recognize the need to start preparing for the election of the next bishop. She said she had “not come to this decision lightly or alone, and it will not be easy to say goodbye to the diocese I love.”, and that decision, she wrote, marked a natural conclusion to her service in the role.
The closing lines of her note made clear her resolve to see a steady and sound handover for the person who follows her. The following week, the standing committee will lay out the path toward choosing that successor, with two committees set to be named.
Trump’s Demand for an Apology
Budde’s departure comes after a heated exchange with Trump. Following his second inauguration, where he delivered a sermon calling on the president to “have mercy” toward the country’s immigrants and LGBTQ+ community, Trump demanded an apology in a post shared on social media.
Of Budde he spoke thus: “She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart.”. And likewise he added: “Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!”.
The Sermon That Set It Off
During the inauguration service, Budde urged Trump specifically to show mercy to “gay, lesbian and transgender children” from all political backgrounds, some of whom “fear for their lives.” The message drew a direct response from the president.
Trump took aim at Budde personally, describing the service she runs as “very boring and uninspiring,” and her leadership as “not very good at her job.”.
A Long History of Conflict
Trump and Budde were already familiar with each other before this point. During his first term, she had already tangled with him.
She published an opinion piece in the New York Times expressing outrage over Trump’s appearance in front of St John’s Episcopal church in Washington, holding up a Bible for a photo after federal officers used force to clear a crowd of peaceful protesters against the police killing of George Floyd. In that piece, Budde wrote that Trump had “used sacred symbols to cloak himself in the mantle of spiritual authority, while espousing positions antithetical to the Bible that he held in his hands.”
The Path to the Bishopric
Budde held the post of rector at St John’s Episcopal church in Minneapolis for 18 years before she was chosen to be the leader of the diocese of Washington in 2011.
During her time in office, she took public positions that placed her at odds with national politics. Her resignation triggers a process to find her replacement.
Key Facts Box
- Resignation takes effect: 3 June 2028
- Effective after: consecration and ordination of the new diocesan bishop
- First woman to serve as Episcopal bishop of Washington
- Led the diocese since: 2011
- Age: 66
- Served as rector of St John’s Episcopal church, Minneapolis: 18 years
What Comes Next
Next week, the standing committee will lay out the steps for choosing Budde’s replacement, which includes setting up two committees. Budde has promised to make sure the handover goes smoothly for whoever takes over from her.
Months remain before a new bishop is chosen, which means the search will go on for some time yet. Whoever takes over will step into a diocese that has already been in the public eye for a decade.
The Transition Process
A resignation letter sets forth a plain course ahead. Budde has pledged to see through a sound and healthy passing on of duties for her successor, laboring beside the diocesan staff and governing assemblies. She prays for all concerned, and most particularly for the person whom God is preparing to serve as the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Washington.
Next week’s agenda from the standing committee is expected to feature the establishment of two committees tasked with carrying out the work of selecting her successor.
What Remains to Be Seen
Budde’s choice of successor will set the course for the diocese for years ahead. The standing committee, the diocesan staff, and leadership bodies will all work together during the search process to make sure the change goes smoothly. Her dedication to leaving behind a strong and healthy diocese shows that she wants the institution to keep thriving long after she has stepped down.
The resignation will take effect on 3 June 2028, but it will not become effective until after the consecration and ordination of the new diocesan bishop. The person stepping down is the first woman to hold the office of Episcopal bishop of Washington. She has led the diocese since 2011, and her tenure there has been marked by a number of notable milestones. She also served as rector of St John’s Episcopal church in Minneapolis for 18 years before taking up her role as bishop. At the time of her resignation, she was 66.
Source material: “Episcopal bishop who urged Trump to ‘have mercy’ to resign post in Washington DC,” The Guardian.
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