We, the undersigned, are calling for a review and accountability regarding Bishop Mariann Budde's actions during the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral on January 21, 2025. Instead of fostering unity and spiritual reflection, Bishop Budde used this sacred occasion to directly lecture President Donald Trump on political matters, which we believe violates several fundamental principles:

Sanctity of Worship: Worship services, especially those of national significance, are meant to be moments of spiritual solace and communal prayer, not political discourse. By making political statements, Bishop Budde may have detracted from the spiritual purpose of the service, alienating those who seek refuge from political debates in religious settings.

Separation of Church and State: The Constitution advocates for a clear distinction between religious and political functions. By using this high-profile religious service to address political issues directly to the President, Bishop Budde blurred these lines, potentially turning a moment of national unity into a political platform.

Episcopal Church Policies: Although the Episcopal Church encourages social justice advocacy, there are implicit guidelines and expectations for clergy to refrain from partisan political activity during worship services. Bishop Budde's sermon focused heavily on political critique, which could be seen as overstepping into the realm of political partisanship, contrary to the spirit of the church's resolutions on political activity.

Public Trust: The widespread criticism following her sermon indicates a significant portion of the public perceives her actions as inappropriate for the context. This not only affects the trust in her leadership but also in the institution she represents, highlighting a need for clearer boundaries on political engagement during religious services.

We are not here to silence the moral voice of our religious leaders but to ensure that the sanctity of religious services is respected, and the political neutrality expected of clergy in official capacities is maintained. Therefore, we demand:

An Official Review: The Episcopal Diocese of Washington should conduct a formal review of Bishop Budde's conduct during the National Prayer Service.
Public Apology: Bishop Budde should offer a public apology for any distress or division caused by using the service for political lecturing, acknowledging the importance of separating church functions from political platforms.
Guidelines Reaffirmation: The Episcopal Church should reaffirm or clarify its guidelines on how clergy can engage in political discussions, especially during services attended by public figures or during national events.

This petition is about ensuring that our religious leaders uphold the principles of inclusivity, unity, and the separation of church and state in their public roles. We call on all who believe in these values to sign this petition and send a clear message about the expectations for our religious leaders.

Sign this petition to call for an accountability process that respects both the spiritual leadership role and the political neutrality expected in such sacred spaces.