This was such a refreshing conversation with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. We recorded it just after she delivered the homily at the National Cathedral the day after the inauguration. Bishop Budde's candor, winsomeness and wisdom shines through in all circumstances - whether it's before a worldwide audience or upon earnest reflection of the impact of her ministry. And there's something healing in all of this. So it's certainly worth revisiting our discussion going into this national holiday weekend. Enjoy...

In this timely edition of Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other, host Corey Nathan welcomes Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Washington National Cathedral. Bishop Budde is a well-respected spiritual leader who has appeared on PBS NewsHour, Meet the Press, Good Morning America, and The Today Show.

The conversation dives into Bishop Budde’s faith journey, her reflections on political and social issues, and her approach to leading with grace and courage in divisive times. The discussion also touches on the controversy surrounding her sermon and how she directly addressed Donald Trump at the National Cathedral following the 2025 presidential inauguration.

[00:00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde.

[00:02:00] – Bishop Budde shares her faith journey and the struggles she faced reconciling different religious influences.

[00:10:00] – The tension between faith and exclusivity: why some versions of Christianity felt limiting to her.

[00:15:00] – The discipline of grace: choosing to respond with compassion rather than anger, even when faced with opposition.

[00:26:00] – Bishop Budde’s response to the 2025 presidential inauguration sermon controversy and the importance of speaking truth with love.

[00:38:00] – Handling criticism and maintaining a sense of personal and spiritual balance.

[00:52:00] – Finding hope in uncertain times: How we can cultivate a spirit of resilience and faith amid societal challenges.

[00:55:00] – The importance of dialogue: How to foster better conversations across political and religious differences.

[01:03:00] – Final thoughts and how to follow Bishop Budde’s work.

"If it’s not about love, it’s not about God." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

"The discipline of grace is a practice, not a gift. It’s about choosing to respond with love even when it’s difficult." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

"To be raised from the dead—whatever that means in our own lives—requires our consent to live again, to have our hearts broken again, and to take on all of life again." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

"We need to ask ourselves: When was the last time I changed my mind? True dialogue requires being open to seeing the world differently." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

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Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨