Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
PreachJanuary 28, 2025
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Last Monday, the 47th presidential term began in the United States. A day after the inauguration, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, delivered a powerful sermon at a national prayer service held at Washington National Cathedral. Her sermon highlighted the ethical challenges facing the nation and called for a deeper commitment to mercy, justice and compassion. Addressing pressing issues such as the treatment of immigrants and the rights of L.G.B.T.Q. individuals, she made a direct appeal to President Donald Trump, who was present in the congregation. 

The reaction—for good and ill—to Bishop Budde’s sermon got us thinking here on the Preach team. Since launching the podcast, we’ve asked many of our guests how as Catholic leaders they can best balance preaching with politics. Where’s the line between speaking truth to power and staying true to the faith, the Scriptures—the Word of God? In this episode, we’re revisiting a few of those conversations to explore how some faith leaders navigate the challenge of speaking out without compromising their spiritual mission when addressing political issues from the ambo.

Hear more from our guests in this episode
 

The latest from america

A century ago, Al Smith was a force in American politics—and the first Catholic to mount a major run at the White House. And if he is to be believed, he didn't know what an encyclical was.
James T. KeaneFebruary 18, 2025
Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs according to the medical report from his doctors this evening, Feb. 18.
Gerard O’ConnellFebruary 18, 2025
The pope needs to prepare for his inevitable decline and death.
Thomas J. ReeseFebruary 18, 2025
His clinical condition is “complex,” the Vatican said.
Gerard O’ConnellFebruary 17, 2025