Bishops Challenge President, Policies – The Living Church

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In the wake of President Donald Trump‘s inauguration and the first wave of executive actions that sent shockwaves through the immigrant and LGBTQIA communities, a number of bishops from the Episcopal Church had some pointed words to share—think of it as their version of the “State of the Union,” minus the confetti and with a slightly higher calling. These pastoral letters served a crucial reminder to both Episcopalians and the broader populace about the importance of extending compassion to marginalized and vulnerable populations.

The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, Bishop of Minnesota, expressed his dismay regarding Trump’s inaugural address, labeling it as “dehumanizing and scapegoating.” High praise, indeed, when the keynote of your new administration involves playing a twisted game of “Spot the Vulnerable!” Loya, however, remained steadfast in his conviction that the role of a faithful Christian is to oppose rhetoric and policies that diminish the dignity of any individual or group. His words resonate with a notion that’s often lost in the chaos of political theater: to violate the inherent worth of any person is not only a social faux pas but also an affront to the very message of Jesus Christ.

Among the executive orders Trump launched into action was a policy shift aimed at altering the established norms surrounding birthright citizenship, barring asylum claims from those newly arriving at the Southern border, and suspending the nation’s refugee admissions program. In a dramatic fashion, he declared a binary view on gender, stating the “policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female,” effectively tossing aside the myriad of identities individuals may hold. In addition, there were directives to change how transgender individuals are treated within the federal prison system—an unprecedented move that left many scratching their heads and, rightfully, feeling unsettled.

However, amidst these changes, several bishops found the thin veil of political correctness wanting and called upon their congregations to stand in solidarity with those at risk of being swept up in the newly established tide. Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, for instance, passionately proclaimed the inclusive nature of the Christian community, reminding followers “our families include migrants, undocumented immigrants, trans kids and adults, and LGBTQIA siblings.” To her, those affected by these actions are not just faceless “others” — they are, quite literally, our neighbors, friends, and families.

The Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson of Missouri, himself a product of immigration, candidly addressed the situation by referencing the surge of vitriol against immigrants and asylum-seekers. He articulated that amidst the chaos, churches must take on the mantle of sanctuary for those in need: a safe harbor for the vulnerable seeking refuge from the storm of hostility and fear.

On the topic of advocating for the rights of these marginalized groups, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris emphasized that Episcopalians have a duty to vocalize their support for Dreamers—those affected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). They also encouraged a collective stand against mass deportations and other measures perceived as unjust. After all, advocating for your fellow citizens—regardless of their status—harmonizes with the free-market capitalist ethos of individual rights and opportunities.

The fact that Trump’s inauguration coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day certainly did not escape the notice of bishops like the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Mello, Bishop of Connecticut, and the Rt. Rev. Dr. Laura Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan. They cited King’s 1963 “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” aptly reminding their followers that “Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” Such wisdom compels us to reflect on the interconnectedness of human experiences, regardless of race, nationality, or any defining demographic characteristic.

In a world increasingly inclined to amplify division, the call to mutual respect and care was voiced beyond the walls of cathedrals. Loya put it succinctly: “We can, and must, give all our love to every small thing that is in front of us.” Instead of climbing into the ring to duke it out with the political powers of the day, the ultimate legacy lies within the humble practice of love, humility, and compassion—those qualities that make us distinctly human.

Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe of Central New York boldly encouraged Episcopalians to bridge political divides by empathizing with others regardless of their emotional state, “Whatever mood you may be feeling, whatever your emotions are… as followers of Jesus Christ we have an obligation… to care for one another as if the other is Jesus.” This is a welcome reminder, particularly in our current climate of outraged Twitter threads and Facebook debates that often resemble a wrestling match more than genuine discourse.

Bishop Mariann Budde of Washington hit the nail on the head when she made a heartfelt appeal to Trump during an interfaith service, exclaiming, “In the name of our God, have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now.” This direct approach drew both admiration and ire, showcasing the diverse responses of leaders in faith to political challenges.

So, what’s the takeaway from this ecclesiastical melodrama unfolding before us? Essentially, it’s a reassertion of a core value: that compassion, human dignity, and love should trump the arbitrary lines drawn by political agendas. It stands as a testament that, while politics may inflame tensions, the pursuit of a truly free society—one where individuals are empowered irrespective of their backgrounds—requires a commitment from all of us to uphold the worth of every human being. The bishops, with their collective voice, remind us that, in the grand human tapestry, we are all threads woven together, and it is our mutual responsibility to ensure that those threads remain strong, intact, and gracefully intertwined.

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