The author recounts their surprise and pride upon discovering their cousin, Mariann Edgar Budde, a bishop, featured prominently in international news for challenging former President Donald Trump. The author’s initial reaction to the headline mentioning a bishop, Trump, and a dispute was, ”Oh, Mariann, here we go again.” While family ties to a bishop were ordinary, the sudden global recognition of their cousin, complete with profile picture adoption and commemorative pastries, felt surreal. This wasn’t the first time Mariann clashed with Trump. Eight years prior, during Trump’s first term, she expressed anger over his words and actions. This tension escalated in 2020 after George Floyd’s death, when Trump posed with a Bible outside a church in Mariann’s diocese. She criticized his actions, highlighting the hypocrisy of using a symbol of compassion while espousing opposing viewpoints.
Mariann’s recent sermon, the catalyst for the renewed media attention, contained a direct plea to Trump, urging him to show compassion to vulnerable groups like immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and trans children. The author emphasizes that the sermon wasn’t an attack or a political statement, but a simple reflection of the core Christian message of showing mercy. However, in the current polarized climate, such a message is readily labeled as ”woke” and ”left-wing radical,” terms used by Trump and his supporters to characterize Mariann and her message. The author anticipated the backlash, recognizing that in today’s world, basic human compassion is often misconstrued as a political stance.
The author laments that amidst the widespread media coverage, the core message of Mariann’s sermon—unity and understanding—was largely overlooked. Before addressing the controversial plea for compassion, Mariann spoke about the importance of respecting differing viewpoints, and the dangers of the ”culture of contempt” and the ”rage industrial complex” that thrives on polarization. The author speculates that this message of unity, a direct challenge to Trump’s divisive rhetoric, was the true source of his ire. Without conflict and outrage, the author questions, what would Trump’s platform be? The author highlights the irony that the plea for mercy, a fundamental tenet of Christianity, was misinterpreted and weaponized in the political arena.
Mariann Edgar Budde’s unwavering commitment to compassion and unity, despite the inevitable backlash, is portrayed as a source of pride for the author. The author underscores the bishop’s calm yet resolute demeanor, her ability to speak truth to power without resorting to anger or aggression. The narrative paints Mariann as a voice of reason in a world increasingly dominated by divisive rhetoric. The author’s initial surprise at seeing their cousin thrust into the global spotlight transforms into a sense of admiration for her courage and integrity.
The author’s reflection on their cousin’s prominence provides a commentary on the current political and social climate, where calls for empathy and understanding are often met with hostility and accusations of political bias. The simple act of asking for compassion has become a controversial act, highlighting the deep divisions within society. The author’s personal connection to the story adds a layer of intimacy and emotional resonance, emphasizing the human impact of political polarization.
The anecdote of the bakeries creating pastries with Mariann’s image and the subsequent viral Facebook post with thousands of comments illustrates the unexpected ripple effects of her actions. This seemingly trivial detail underscores the widespread reach of the story and the public’s fascination with the clash between the bishop and the former president. The author’s inclusion of references to other articles further contextualizes the event within the broader political discourse surrounding Trump and his legacy. The juxtaposition of the bishop’s message of unity with the divisive political landscape serves as a poignant commentary on the challenges facing contemporary society.
