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
- Greg Kandra, “Why I preached a homily on the Trump assassination attempt”
- Thomas Massaro, S.J., “God lifts up the underdogs”
- Bryan Massingale, “Preaching the kingdom of God when justice is delayed on earth”
- Rev. John Kartje, “After the election, people may know your political party—but will they know you’re a Christian?”
- Outreach Conference 2024 Panel, “LGBTQ Catholics deserve preaching that builds bridges—not barriers”
- Bishop John Stowe, “Bishop Stowe preaches on the climate crisis for Good Shepherd Sunday”
- Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, S.J. “A reminder for preachers: ‘Words can hurt; words can also heal’”
- Kareem Smith, “MLK, Trump and the wedding at Cana: A call to listen and heal”
