Per the WaPo: “ In a break from years past, Tuesday’s service was planned last summer, so that the readings and speaker list would be more or less the same regardless of who won the presidency. “That was very much by design,” said cathedral spokesperson Kevin Eckstrom. ‘This is a service for the nation, it is a service for all Americans. Not for a particular person.’ “
As the Bishop of Washington, DC, Bishop Budde is the logical person to preach at the National Cathedral in Washington for this traditional Service of Prayer for the Nation held on the day after a presidential inauguration. The Bishop is the head of the Episopal Church in that diocese, and the Cathedral is the "seat" of the Bishop .
Yes, we can all be glad that she is the Bishop there for "a time such as this."
I think she spoke because she is the Bishop of Washington (DC) which is the top person of the Episcopal Church in that area (her Diocese). The National Cathedral, where the event took place, is an Episcopal Cathedral. Many other clerics spoke as well (from different faiths) but she was the host. Proud Episcopalian here.
lol well she tops Presbyterians in the USA - the Washington DC cathedral. but her record sure speaks for itself! I gather the Ts haven't got their claws on presidential prayer breakfasts, but I'm sure they'll work hard. As far as american presbyterians are concerned, i hope they back her and her sentiments
Frank, my sister is an Elder in her tiny Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, Oregon (First Presbyterian on Second St. as they say.) It is an incredibly progressive church (all 14 of them).
makes me think of United Church of Canada, and i guess we could now say the more progressive wing of the Anglican Communion, the parent of American Presbyterians i do believe.
I don’t know if the Presbyterian Church, USA has made any statements about the election, but I’m an elder in a local PCUSA Church, and the denomination is pretty progressive. Unfortunately, there are several other iterations of Presbyterian churches that are far more conservative. Presbyterian Church of America (PCA) for example. For now, let’s celebrate a woman who spoke God’s truth, as she sees it, to power, in the most brave and lovely way possible. She is a hero to me and many others.
God works in ways we will never fully understand.........he answers prayers.........there must be many living in fear now and looking to heaven for protection from the demonic satanic forces unleashed Jan 20.
I began reading Heather's letter today with my usual cup of coffee and bowl of blueberries. I started tearing up 🥲 with the first paragraph and was bawling into my blueberries by the time I finished reading. As WJB says, I am living in fear, and I'm not an immigrant or a DEI hire fearing for my life and/job. With the stroke of a pen, Donald Trump, along with the creators of Project 2025, are trying to strip us of our peace, our security, and of course our freedoms that we never thought we'd lose. I know I can't wallow in my fear and anger. I'm so appreciative of the lawyers and others who will fight for these injustices to be righted. I am surrounded by Trump cultists and if I hadn't found Heather, Meidas Touch, Anthony Davis, Tennesee Brando and other truth tellers, I would be in a depression. I feel when watching these posts that I'm not alone in my astonishment, disillusionment, disappointment, and anger at what has come upon us. I have tried talking with Trumpers. I have sent letters and emails to legislators in my district and state. Nobody seems to want to hear the truth about Trump- one of the most arrogant, despicable men who's ever lived. That these people can't see this truth is what's so frustrating to me.
Oh well. I will get a fresh bowl of blueberries, another cup of coffee, and try to keep my chin (chins- I'm 76 ☺️) up.
Thanks to all on this post who see the truth and are trying to share it.
The struggle is real Pam. I had to put myself on a news blackout during daytime hours and focus on my work, at age 70 I still have to work to afford to keep a roof over my head.
Pam, I don't know where you are in the country, but like you, I am a morning reader here on the west coast, even when Professor Richardson posts before I am in bed.
I'm off to get cup number 2, and although I am 10 years behind you, it's not chins but belly fat that I am fighting.
Ally, as you know I am reading here some miles up the road from you. I always start my am with cup of coffee and Heather and the usually great comments here. We live in a diverse neighborhood and also too many Rs. We have a Hispanic family right across the street and i fear for them and anyone else who, I have no doubt, will be turned in by someone. Yesterday a city bus hit a pedestrian here in Salem and the person died. A couple of the comments cautioned about speculation, but too many were comments about how awful things are with the implication that it's those libs. We have stopped watching the national news and go straight to supper and a series. I might also add that living in blue, but not in all places, Oregon, does not make me feel better.
Interesting because a lot of people in Arizona, at least the ones I know, are seniors. I do wonder if they are now going to enjoy more for their prescriptions and the price of eggs is not going to go down. But hey, we don't need to be informed about bird flu or any other possible pandemics by the national agencies who are supposed to do this. Oregon is only blue because of big population centers are. Because of redistricting, both of my state legislators are Rs; the one in the House is a total nut case and the one in the Senate, just an old time greed.
"Nobody seems to want to hear the truth about Trump- one of the most arrogant, despicable men who's ever lived."
It defies explanation that that roughly half the population can be so alarmingly disgusted with him while the other half re-elected him? And we all live in the same country.
The sad part about "god" for me is that phrase you used works well for the insurrectionists who thought apparently that "god" would help THEM. Personally I would wish everyone to stop worrying about "god" so much and start acting like decent human beings.
Ally, I like the idea of a universal energy. It allows me to realize how small a piece I am of the universe and to appreciate and basically wallow in nature. I confess i have a hard time with true hatred and wishing certain individuals dead, but credit death star and his ilk for that.
Wouldn't that be nice. My attitude is to call the ones who use their religion for nefarious purposes, hypocrites and those, who do good as part of their faith, good people. The most grounded person I know whose presence is just calming is a practicing Christian. I don't believe in blanket condemnations.
One of the first betrayals of Jesus that "Christianity" committed was turning his life and teachings into a cult of belief instead of a way of living. The Creeds of the church ignore all Jesus taught.
Seems to me that you condemned the bishop in a way for being a person of faith. I am not telling you to believe otherwise than you do and I do wish nonbelievers would just understand that. People have made all kinds of assumptions of what I believe or not based on the fact that I will not issue a blanket condemnation of people of faith. I am saying that I refuse to lessen people of faith in any way who are good people just because they are people of faith. Yes, you did praise her, but your final sentence mitigated your praise. I think we need to put this to bed now.
Fair enough. I will just say that I may not have been particularly clear or careful in what i said. I do not in any way denigrate Ms. Budde's view point but I feel using a position like hers to amplify and give credence to what she said (as if being religious makes it more important than other viewpoints) always bothers me given my disdain for religion. No one except other atheists ever give atheists credence for their views and ib probably might feel differently if this was more balanced. Hope that helps.
I think the important take away that everyone has, is that she spoke truth to power. I give you full credit as to why you are an atheist. i doubt I would pass muster in most circles for being a person of faith. I think I have a fair understanding of what Jesus taught and part of the problem is what Mary Ellen addresses below. Also I do not think most people understand about what was going on in first century Palestine. Once people in power get ahold of a concept and see that it would increase their power and wealth, it becomes just another institution ruined by human flaws. I do not think we actually disagree on much of anything.
Jon, being austensibly a Nation under "God" the human-factor seems to have been somewhat disenfranchised. But, right now we're busy watching 'human-nature' as the MAGAtts poop in their pants.
The "under god" part came very late in our history, I think in the 1950s during the red scare tactics of McCarthy and Roy Cohn. We are still supposedly a nation that is secular believing in separation of church and state.
I don't think she was "chosen", they just went to her church. She's a bishop, that's pretty high up there, right? (I know zip about organized religion and while I certainly respect what she said, her position discounts it for me.)
Exactly so, Jon. The National Cathedral is an Episcopal church. Her Grace is the Presiding Bishop of the Diocese of Washington, D.C. She wasn’t the one out of place, he was.
Because I discount all religion as a mind numbing concept which turns hopefully intelligent people into sheep.
I am well aware that most people in this country will disagree with me and of course I fully approve of the idea that people are free to believe whatever they want to believe if it doesn't harm anyone else so I am fine with people supporting her beliefs but I don't have to agree (and I should be free to do that too).
I hear that you discount religion, but you have somehow condemned her for being religious. Yes, you are free to believe whatever, but I object to blanket condemnations of people who happen to have faith. I have had this argument many times with people. I salute all good people, those with faith and those without it. And if a person's faith gives a foundation for being a good person, that's OK with me. And just so you know, I am not a person of faith.
I am a "devout" atheist (I'm not sure the word devout is totally appropriate in that context LOL) and I consider people who speak on behalf of religion to be somewhat discounted in my mind. Using religion, particularly a position of authority like a bishop, as a means of amplifying a position, even a good one, feels wrong to me. For me it implies the use of "god" as a justification of that position and as I do not believe in any notion of "god" in any way at all, it definitely diminishes in my mind the importance of the position taken.
That said I do support Ms. Budde's position re: Trump and I hope more people, atheist and religious alike, support her views as well. I just can't go along with making it a "god"- driven position.
Jon, to put a somewhat finer point on it, as a Christian in a position of authority in the church, she has been called by God to help the helpless. She wasn’t posturing, she was, literally, doing her job in that moment. It matters nothing what others think of her, or of what she said.
I wonder how she was chosen to speak? Someone didn't do their research? That is kind of perfect!
Per the WaPo: “ In a break from years past, Tuesday’s service was planned last summer, so that the readings and speaker list would be more or less the same regardless of who won the presidency. “That was very much by design,” said cathedral spokesperson Kevin Eckstrom. ‘This is a service for the nation, it is a service for all Americans. Not for a particular person.’ “
As the Bishop of Washington, DC, Bishop Budde is the logical person to preach at the National Cathedral in Washington for this traditional Service of Prayer for the Nation held on the day after a presidential inauguration. The Bishop is the head of the Episopal Church in that diocese, and the Cathedral is the "seat" of the Bishop .
Yes, we can all be glad that she is the Bishop there for "a time such as this."
I think she spoke because she is the Bishop of Washington (DC) which is the top person of the Episcopal Church in that area (her Diocese). The National Cathedral, where the event took place, is an Episcopal Cathedral. Many other clerics spoke as well (from different faiths) but she was the host. Proud Episcopalian here.
lol well she tops Presbyterians in the USA - the Washington DC cathedral. but her record sure speaks for itself! I gather the Ts haven't got their claws on presidential prayer breakfasts, but I'm sure they'll work hard. As far as american presbyterians are concerned, i hope they back her and her sentiments
Frank, my sister is an Elder in her tiny Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, Oregon (First Presbyterian on Second St. as they say.) It is an incredibly progressive church (all 14 of them).
makes me think of United Church of Canada, and i guess we could now say the more progressive wing of the Anglican Communion, the parent of American Presbyterians i do believe.
I don’t know if the Presbyterian Church, USA has made any statements about the election, but I’m an elder in a local PCUSA Church, and the denomination is pretty progressive. Unfortunately, there are several other iterations of Presbyterian churches that are far more conservative. Presbyterian Church of America (PCA) for example. For now, let’s celebrate a woman who spoke God’s truth, as she sees it, to power, in the most brave and lovely way possible. She is a hero to me and many others.
She is an Episcopal bishop.
God works in ways we will never fully understand.........he answers prayers.........there must be many living in fear now and looking to heaven for protection from the demonic satanic forces unleashed Jan 20.
I began reading Heather's letter today with my usual cup of coffee and bowl of blueberries. I started tearing up 🥲 with the first paragraph and was bawling into my blueberries by the time I finished reading. As WJB says, I am living in fear, and I'm not an immigrant or a DEI hire fearing for my life and/job. With the stroke of a pen, Donald Trump, along with the creators of Project 2025, are trying to strip us of our peace, our security, and of course our freedoms that we never thought we'd lose. I know I can't wallow in my fear and anger. I'm so appreciative of the lawyers and others who will fight for these injustices to be righted. I am surrounded by Trump cultists and if I hadn't found Heather, Meidas Touch, Anthony Davis, Tennesee Brando and other truth tellers, I would be in a depression. I feel when watching these posts that I'm not alone in my astonishment, disillusionment, disappointment, and anger at what has come upon us. I have tried talking with Trumpers. I have sent letters and emails to legislators in my district and state. Nobody seems to want to hear the truth about Trump- one of the most arrogant, despicable men who's ever lived. That these people can't see this truth is what's so frustrating to me.
Oh well. I will get a fresh bowl of blueberries, another cup of coffee, and try to keep my chin (chins- I'm 76 ☺️) up.
Thanks to all on this post who see the truth and are trying to share it.
The struggle is real Pam. I had to put myself on a news blackout during daytime hours and focus on my work, at age 70 I still have to work to afford to keep a roof over my head.
Pam, I don't know where you are in the country, but like you, I am a morning reader here on the west coast, even when Professor Richardson posts before I am in bed.
I'm off to get cup number 2, and although I am 10 years behind you, it's not chins but belly fat that I am fighting.
Ally, as you know I am reading here some miles up the road from you. I always start my am with cup of coffee and Heather and the usually great comments here. We live in a diverse neighborhood and also too many Rs. We have a Hispanic family right across the street and i fear for them and anyone else who, I have no doubt, will be turned in by someone. Yesterday a city bus hit a pedestrian here in Salem and the person died. A couple of the comments cautioned about speculation, but too many were comments about how awful things are with the implication that it's those libs. We have stopped watching the national news and go straight to supper and a series. I might also add that living in blue, but not in all places, Oregon, does not make me feel better.
Oh, being a resident of Oregon makes me feel better!
I spend half the year living in Arizona. Near the little blue dot of Tucson, and with a new D Governor, it's still a red state.
Interesting because a lot of people in Arizona, at least the ones I know, are seniors. I do wonder if they are now going to enjoy more for their prescriptions and the price of eggs is not going to go down. But hey, we don't need to be informed about bird flu or any other possible pandemics by the national agencies who are supposed to do this. Oregon is only blue because of big population centers are. Because of redistricting, both of my state legislators are Rs; the one in the House is a total nut case and the one in the Senate, just an old time greed.
Agreed.
🤣
I'm with you, Pam. Every day I have to remind myself that there are many of us who feel the same way.
"Nobody seems to want to hear the truth about Trump- one of the most arrogant, despicable men who's ever lived."
It defies explanation that that roughly half the population can be so alarmingly disgusted with him while the other half re-elected him? And we all live in the same country.
Majority does not know best.
The best advice i ever heard on prayers is "God helps them who helps themselves"
The sad part about "god" for me is that phrase you used works well for the insurrectionists who thought apparently that "god" would help THEM. Personally I would wish everyone to stop worrying about "god" so much and start acting like decent human beings.
Jon, I have always said that I do not need an imaginary sky pilot to tell me right from wrong, or how to behave myself.
Bishop Budde is one of the good ones, as is John Pavlovitz, as was MLK, Jr.
Ally, I like the idea of a universal energy. It allows me to realize how small a piece I am of the universe and to appreciate and basically wallow in nature. I confess i have a hard time with true hatred and wishing certain individuals dead, but credit death star and his ilk for that.
Wouldn't that be nice. My attitude is to call the ones who use their religion for nefarious purposes, hypocrites and those, who do good as part of their faith, good people. The most grounded person I know whose presence is just calming is a practicing Christian. I don't believe in blanket condemnations.
I generally don't condemn anyone for beliefs, just actions. Believe what you want let me believe what I want.
One of the first betrayals of Jesus that "Christianity" committed was turning his life and teachings into a cult of belief instead of a way of living. The Creeds of the church ignore all Jesus taught.
I will also add that i am very annoyed that people seem to think the universal energy cares about the score in a ballgame.
Seems to me that you condemned the bishop in a way for being a person of faith. I am not telling you to believe otherwise than you do and I do wish nonbelievers would just understand that. People have made all kinds of assumptions of what I believe or not based on the fact that I will not issue a blanket condemnation of people of faith. I am saying that I refuse to lessen people of faith in any way who are good people just because they are people of faith. Yes, you did praise her, but your final sentence mitigated your praise. I think we need to put this to bed now.
Fair enough. I will just say that I may not have been particularly clear or careful in what i said. I do not in any way denigrate Ms. Budde's view point but I feel using a position like hers to amplify and give credence to what she said (as if being religious makes it more important than other viewpoints) always bothers me given my disdain for religion. No one except other atheists ever give atheists credence for their views and ib probably might feel differently if this was more balanced. Hope that helps.
I think the important take away that everyone has, is that she spoke truth to power. I give you full credit as to why you are an atheist. i doubt I would pass muster in most circles for being a person of faith. I think I have a fair understanding of what Jesus taught and part of the problem is what Mary Ellen addresses below. Also I do not think most people understand about what was going on in first century Palestine. Once people in power get ahold of a concept and see that it would increase their power and wealth, it becomes just another institution ruined by human flaws. I do not think we actually disagree on much of anything.
Thank you for that comment!
agreed
Jon, being austensibly a Nation under "God" the human-factor seems to have been somewhat disenfranchised. But, right now we're busy watching 'human-nature' as the MAGAtts poop in their pants.
The "under god" part came very late in our history, I think in the 1950s during the red scare tactics of McCarthy and Roy Cohn. We are still supposedly a nation that is secular believing in separation of church and state.
My very Christian mother said that all the time.
I don't think she was "chosen", they just went to her church. She's a bishop, that's pretty high up there, right? (I know zip about organized religion and while I certainly respect what she said, her position discounts it for me.)
Exactly so, Jon. The National Cathedral is an Episcopal church. Her Grace is the Presiding Bishop of the Diocese of Washington, D.C. She wasn’t the one out of place, he was.
Isn't he always?
You betcha!
Jon, why discount her position. It allowed her a forum for speaking truth to power.
Because I discount all religion as a mind numbing concept which turns hopefully intelligent people into sheep.
I am well aware that most people in this country will disagree with me and of course I fully approve of the idea that people are free to believe whatever they want to believe if it doesn't harm anyone else so I am fine with people supporting her beliefs but I don't have to agree (and I should be free to do that too).
I hear that you discount religion, but you have somehow condemned her for being religious. Yes, you are free to believe whatever, but I object to blanket condemnations of people who happen to have faith. I have had this argument many times with people. I salute all good people, those with faith and those without it. And if a person's faith gives a foundation for being a good person, that's OK with me. And just so you know, I am not a person of faith.
Great point!
Jon, why does her position discount what she said for you?
I am a "devout" atheist (I'm not sure the word devout is totally appropriate in that context LOL) and I consider people who speak on behalf of religion to be somewhat discounted in my mind. Using religion, particularly a position of authority like a bishop, as a means of amplifying a position, even a good one, feels wrong to me. For me it implies the use of "god" as a justification of that position and as I do not believe in any notion of "god" in any way at all, it definitely diminishes in my mind the importance of the position taken.
That said I do support Ms. Budde's position re: Trump and I hope more people, atheist and religious alike, support her views as well. I just can't go along with making it a "god"- driven position.
Jon, to put a somewhat finer point on it, as a Christian in a position of authority in the church, she has been called by God to help the helpless. She wasn’t posturing, she was, literally, doing her job in that moment. It matters nothing what others think of her, or of what she said.
Totally agree. And I have no problem with it either. She said the right things re: the Trump cabal, and I support anyone who holds those views.