A Word on Episcopal Bishop of Washington's Controversial Sermon

— Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D

What happened in Washington's National Cathedral on Tuesday is worthy of a clear response. And, bottomline upfront, I must clearly point out that the episcopal bishop of Washington, Marianne Budde has always been a voice for the LGBTQ. So, her direct confrontation of President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance was her unnecessary ox apportunity since they should have known better.

Mariann Budde has always been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+'s rights. Not just something that started at the inaugural prayer service or because of her direct appeal to the President for mercy on their (LGBTQ+) community.

Having said this, I'll like to further by reacting to her statement that unity is not partisan. Yes, it is not; but it is even not political at all. Unity is divine, and comes from and through God alone. True unity transcends human-made boundaries. It is a gift from God, and it's only through Him that people experience true oneness. This is the only way to look beyond any human differences and focus on shared humanity, guided by God's love and wisdom alone rather than political machinations.

The world needs to understand that Budde's stance on LGBTQ+ issues does not represent the Christian faith. If anything, it is rooted in her personal or denominational reflection, which has been increasingly accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals and community. This personal sentiment is what she expressed in her sermon, in which she focused on the struggles of people, particularly youth, who should have been taught the fear of the Lord rather than fear for their lives. Well, overall, Mariann Budde's trajectory on LGBTQ+ issues has always been one of advocacy, compassion, and inclusivity, always revealing of her constant and continued commitment to the values of LGBTQ+ individuals and community.

Let me correct her "one final plea" to Mr. President, in which she stated that "Millions have put their trust in Trump. Methink, as a preacher, she should call on Americans to place or restore their trust, as individuals, and as a nation, on the providential hand of the loving God, who alone has shown, can show and can have mercy upon the people in/of our country, who should rather to look up towards God more than they do the president.

In May 2016, I presented and defended an evangelical apology on The Church's Exclusive Position on Same-Sex Marriage: An Ethical Exegetical Reflection, being a thesis presented to the faculty of the School of Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Ethics and Philosophical Studies. While we understand and admit it is essential to approach this topic with sensitivity, compassion, and a deep understanding of the biblical perspective, the position of the church remains steadfast and consistent with scriptural authority and love. Biblical Christianity continues to nurture deep dedication love amid differing opinions. In my May 2016's treaties, I said:

"Ever before the wake of global clamoring for same-sex legalization, and the United States’ Supreme Court ruling on and/or of the same, the Church has continued to uphold its Biblical position, tradition, and ethical standards. Although, this is not to say that there are no debates and contradictions within the Church itself on the matter. However, in spite of the frictions and debates in the body of Christ on this issue, the model of Christian ethics allows no way by which anyone could support the idea and claims of same-sex marriage from Biblical perspective. Even a modest sense of natural ethics seems to allow no rationality for same-sex marriage. Indeed, everything being equal, majority of morally inclined individuals may easily find same-sex marriage morally perverse or socially inadequate. And the natural reasons might simply be the fact that such unions obviously contradict any natural setting favorable for procreation, sustenance and nurture of the human race."

Needless to say, I remain convinced that my research continues to maintain its relevance, value and insights to this ongoing conversation.

It is therefore in the light of this that I put it to Bishop Budde that her statement, "There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives." is a sponsor-message. Or, why does it come just one day after Trump issued a slate of executive orders, including one which has a section dedicated to "recognizing that women are biologically distinct from men," one that declared that the only genders that shall be recognized in our nation are male and female.

The challenges of marginalized men and women in America are not limited to illegal or undocumented migrants and the rhetoric that surrounded them; what about the millions of legal migrants and people of color who are properly naturalized and qualified, or more qualified as other Americans, but are still picking crops, cleaning office buildings, laboring in poultry farms and meat packing plants. Some of these wash the dishes in restaurants, work the night shifts in hospitals, or may not even find a job – even as citizens or legal permanent residents. Why is her love speech not bothered about these other vast majority of immigrants who also pay taxes and are good neighbors." The Washington Post had reported and opined that Budde has long criticized, and was outraged by Trump.

Having said these things, however, I am deeply disturbed by Republican U.S. Representative Mike Collins from Georgia, who after the service, posted a video clip on X of Budde's sermon along with the text, where he declared, "The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list."

Calling for her deportation is not only unacceptable but also unchristian. David's example in the Bible teaches us to choose mercy and forgiveness over vengeance. When Abishai said to him, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.” But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” And David said, “As the Lord lives, the Lord will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. The Lord forbid that I should put out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go." (1 Samuel 26:8-11).

In a time when our nation desperately needs healing and unity, Collins' words only serve to divide and incite hatred. Jesus' command to love our enemies is clear (Matthew 5:44), and as Christians, we should strive to embody this principle. Better than any shadow voice from LGBTQ+ community, God's people should be spreading love and kindness, rather than promoting intolerance and hostility.

It's essential to recognize that disagreement with someone's views doesn't justify dehumanizing or threatening them. We must engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, even when we disagree. We can sift off the tares from the wheat out of Bishop Budde's sermon and hear the word of the Lord, calling us to unity and compassion. And we can as well perceive Collins' response as another evidence that underscores our need for more love and understanding in our public discourse.

On a final note, I will like to pass a comment on President Trump's reaction when asked about the service; and he, Trump, told White House reporters that he, "didn't think it was a good service." About this, once again, I would humbly submit that if the wheats are sifted from the tares, then the service was indeed unto God, in His house, and it was good. As the parable of the wheat and tares teaches us, God's kingdom is not free from the presence of evil or those who oppose His plan. However, this doesn't diminish the goodness and sincerity of those who worship Him with a pure and sincere heart.

In the parable, Jesus explains that the wheat represents the righteous, while the tares represent the wicked. However, instead of uprooting the tares immediately, the master allows them to grow together with the wheat until the harvest. This teaches us about God's patience and mercy, as well as the importance of discernment and not judging others prematurely.

So, in the context of the service, if we sift out the wheats and hypocrites, we'll see that the true worshipers were indeed serving God with a sincere heart. And that, fellow Americans, is what truly matters.

God bless America and all the peoples of the land.

Grace, peace and love,

The Reverend Simon Olatunji