The words of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde resonate deeply as a call for compassion and understanding in a time when fear and division grip many in our nation. Her plea to acknowledge the humanity of LGBTQ+ individuals—children, in particular—highlights the urgent need for leaders to foster an environment of safety and inclusion for all.
However, it is also critical to recognize the complicity of many Christians in empowering leaders like President Trump, whose rhetoric and policies often embolden discrimination.
By aligning their faith with political agendas that prioritize power over love, too many have strayed from the core Christian principles of mercy, justice, and care for the marginalized. Budde's appeal challenges all believers to reflect on their role in shaping a society that should embody the radical love and grace that their faith professes.
Only by confronting this collective responsibility can we begin to mend the fractures in our communities and build a future grounded in true compassion.