To the editor:
The January 24, 2025 issue of the North Shore Journal featured a lengthy front page account of the recent inauguration of the President, including the final event, the national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, an inaugural tradition of nearly 100 years. The article failed, however, to address the most newsworthy aspect of that revered tradition, the elephant in the room one might say.
The Right Rev. Mariann Budde, Episcopal bishop of Washington DC, who presided at the event called upon the newly inaugurated president to show mercy on the groups of our population who feel threatened by his presidency. Her expression of Christian values has been met with threats but also an overwhelming outpouring of support and praise. As she said herself, “It isn’t political activism for a pastor to ask for mercy,” she said. “It is an expression of Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus.”
Rev. Budde’s wisdom was not well received by its intended recipient. In fact, he suggested an apology from her was in order. Anyone who expects a Christian clergyperson to apologize for voicing fundamental Christian values (compassion and mercy) in a Christian house of worship during a prayer service is clearly unworthy of the highest office in the land, or any office for that matter. Even more so, someone who professes to be a Christian himself.
Fran Kaliher
