My apologies; for some reason, the word Cathedral is associated with the Catholic Church in my brain. All references to Catholicism have now been removed from the online version (as opposed to the email that went out), thanks to those who commented and emailed pointing that out.
It was marvellous. It brought back memories of my father-in-law Rev Dick Fenton, Anglican Priest and of course my grandfather who was a Methodist Minister, changed to Anglican and became a Labour MP. Both spent their lives helping others, living humble lives, not enriching themselves. I don't call myself a Christian these days, but her message of compassion really touched me and reminded me of our Sunday School stories about the real, not vengeful Jesus. Trump and his minions are going ballistic but they are the money traders Jesus would have chucked out of the Temple.
Bishop Buddy’s speech was admirable and brave. In a calm low key manner she implored Trump to show mercy to all the people he plans to attack, people who do all the hard work but may not have the right papers, to gays and trans folk. It reminds me of Jacinda imploring us to be kind. I hope the Bishop stays safe especially given all the violent deplorables Trump has pardoned and released from jail.
I thought she was extraordinarily courageous and I was inspired by her willingness to face what was the inevitable response. A good brave caring person.
Very well said, Nick. And a perfect musical footnote. Those disdainful faces in the front row said it; compassion-free zone. It's getting harder to find this stuff as more mainstream media fold under the pressure of their overlords. Harder still to find ways to push back. Thank you for being here.
In a multi faith church service at which representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist communities had their say, it was very telling that the only invited clergy not to show up were Trump’s own Conservative evangelist supporters. Knowing what she was up against with the congregation’s far right ideals, Mariann Budde was very brave to speak her mind about those who can no longer speak on their own behalf. She and her Church owe no apologies to anyone, as Trump is demanding because he heard things he didn’t like or know anything about. He is doing for Christianity in the US what Vesuvius did for Pompeii: using his version of fire and brimstone to destroy the reality of what is the true American state with its various flaws and glories, to build his great American autocracy, with the help of the Tech Bros, Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. The new Axis of Evil. God bless America. And the rest of us. Who knows what he’ll come up with next.
Coincidentally I sent a letter,( yep, another one) about Trump and Vance’s attitude to the sermon. Here it is below.
Today President Trump and VP Vance, anlong with their families, attended a church service lead by Right Reverend Mariann Budde. During this service she asked the new administration to show mercy to LGBTQ+, undocumented migrant workers and others under threat of vast changes in their lives. Trump and Vance both appeared to give this plea the cold shoulder.
Also today, snow disrupted life from Texas to Florida, a very rare event indeed.
As we’re all aware, climate change on planet Trump doesn’t exist, so the only explanation I can see is that, God, knowing that Trump is a man of great faith, has perhaps sent a message to him that some cold shoulders carry a great deal more weight than others. If I was Trump, I’d be inclined to heed the message.
The reaction of those seated around Trump has drawn comment, the main gist of which has been that they responded like sycophants. So I watched them closely, and was particularly taken by JD Vance’s wife Usha Vance. She pointedly ignored her husband’s turning to her more than once, as he seemed to need to share his indignation with her.
I consulted Wikipedia, where I found she is well educated - “an experienced litigator in a number of industries”. Of her upbringing by her immigrant parents, both also highly educated, she says this: . “I did grow up in a religious household. My parents are Hindu and that is one of the things that made them such good parents, that made them really good people. And so I have seen the power of that.”
And a quote about her mother: “Professor Chilukuri has a demonstrated record of commitment to undergraduate education, equity, and diversity. She is one of the founding members of the pilot course in Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in Biology and Medicine, exploring the practice and philosophy of science from a multicultural perspective, the historical use and misuse of science in biomedical research and social policies, and issues of race and medicine in a post-genomic age.” (Her dad? - I didn’t have time to check him out ;)
None of which proves anything - but I permitted myself a moment of hope that she will prove a moderating influence on her husband.
There are just no words, are there, that adequately describe that vile man - he is utterly contemptible.
Like others here, I applaud Bishops Budde's courage and compassion and hope that she does not suffer any adverse consequences as a result of her sermon.
Mariann for Nobel prize. In my experience having been forced Christianity during my youth, Ive found more caring decent people in life who are not Christians. Mariann is both
What CAN we do Nick? For the USA, not a lot, but here in Aotearoa we can do a lot if we have the guts to actually be part of a resistance, and to show the USA what is possible. There are numerous groups of the "Right" leaning attitude for politics, not really any that are of a "Left" leaning attitude - so we allow the Right to peddle their wares and propaganda with no alternate view - as a Group! Something like a Community Interested group to oppose the Self interested. For we all ultimately depend on ALL people - even the little corporal depends of community support. Perhaps a Voter Cooperative, a registered entity, a group with recorded members, a constitution and a mission for Community interest and not Self interest, non-partisan essential. Easy to set up if we have enough interest in doing so? My hand is up, any others?
I feel enormous respect for Episcopalian Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: speaking truth to power is dangerous and she is extremely brave to stand up like this. I hope she and her family remain safe. I was brought up Catholic, but like many others who have commented, I am not a religious person; her talk of justice, fortitude, temperance, compassion, and love are heroic virtues.
I thought she was amazing & brave in front of the nasty red necks it gives you hope when someone speaks out like that that those societies that have turned nasty can actually turn around again back to some decent values.
My apologies; for some reason, the word Cathedral is associated with the Catholic Church in my brain. All references to Catholicism have now been removed from the online version (as opposed to the email that went out), thanks to those who commented and emailed pointing that out.
The Catholic Church would NEVER have a female Bishop.
It was marvellous. It brought back memories of my father-in-law Rev Dick Fenton, Anglican Priest and of course my grandfather who was a Methodist Minister, changed to Anglican and became a Labour MP. Both spent their lives helping others, living humble lives, not enriching themselves. I don't call myself a Christian these days, but her message of compassion really touched me and reminded me of our Sunday School stories about the real, not vengeful Jesus. Trump and his minions are going ballistic but they are the money traders Jesus would have chucked out of the Temple.
Bishop Buddy’s speech was admirable and brave. In a calm low key manner she implored Trump to show mercy to all the people he plans to attack, people who do all the hard work but may not have the right papers, to gays and trans folk. It reminds me of Jacinda imploring us to be kind. I hope the Bishop stays safe especially given all the violent deplorables Trump has pardoned and released from jail.
I thought she was extraordinarily courageous and I was inspired by her willingness to face what was the inevitable response. A good brave caring person.
Onward Christian Soldier. Battles can be fought in many ways. We just have to be really brave like the Bishop.
She is definitely a brave hero! Trump the narcissist will destroy all those who disagree with him! A blatant dictator!
Very well said, Nick. And a perfect musical footnote. Those disdainful faces in the front row said it; compassion-free zone. It's getting harder to find this stuff as more mainstream media fold under the pressure of their overlords. Harder still to find ways to push back. Thank you for being here.
In a multi faith church service at which representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist communities had their say, it was very telling that the only invited clergy not to show up were Trump’s own Conservative evangelist supporters. Knowing what she was up against with the congregation’s far right ideals, Mariann Budde was very brave to speak her mind about those who can no longer speak on their own behalf. She and her Church owe no apologies to anyone, as Trump is demanding because he heard things he didn’t like or know anything about. He is doing for Christianity in the US what Vesuvius did for Pompeii: using his version of fire and brimstone to destroy the reality of what is the true American state with its various flaws and glories, to build his great American autocracy, with the help of the Tech Bros, Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. The new Axis of Evil. God bless America. And the rest of us. Who knows what he’ll come up with next.
Coincidentally I sent a letter,( yep, another one) about Trump and Vance’s attitude to the sermon. Here it is below.
Today President Trump and VP Vance, anlong with their families, attended a church service lead by Right Reverend Mariann Budde. During this service she asked the new administration to show mercy to LGBTQ+, undocumented migrant workers and others under threat of vast changes in their lives. Trump and Vance both appeared to give this plea the cold shoulder.
Also today, snow disrupted life from Texas to Florida, a very rare event indeed.
As we’re all aware, climate change on planet Trump doesn’t exist, so the only explanation I can see is that, God, knowing that Trump is a man of great faith, has perhaps sent a message to him that some cold shoulders carry a great deal more weight than others. If I was Trump, I’d be inclined to heed the message.
A very brave women. I hope she’s not going to face any physical threats for speaking out.
No suprise whatsoever with Trump’s response. Executive order banning women Priests next on his list? Seems he has the power to do anything he wants.
Always liked this, the original version with Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart.
Thank their God for at least one sane compassionate person over there.
Those who profess to be Christians might dwell on this.
"There is a highway to hell and a stairway to heaven, which will give an indication of predicted traffic flows".
Thanks for this Nick - a great read.
The reaction of those seated around Trump has drawn comment, the main gist of which has been that they responded like sycophants. So I watched them closely, and was particularly taken by JD Vance’s wife Usha Vance. She pointedly ignored her husband’s turning to her more than once, as he seemed to need to share his indignation with her.
I consulted Wikipedia, where I found she is well educated - “an experienced litigator in a number of industries”. Of her upbringing by her immigrant parents, both also highly educated, she says this: . “I did grow up in a religious household. My parents are Hindu and that is one of the things that made them such good parents, that made them really good people. And so I have seen the power of that.”
And a quote about her mother: “Professor Chilukuri has a demonstrated record of commitment to undergraduate education, equity, and diversity. She is one of the founding members of the pilot course in Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in Biology and Medicine, exploring the practice and philosophy of science from a multicultural perspective, the historical use and misuse of science in biomedical research and social policies, and issues of race and medicine in a post-genomic age.” (Her dad? - I didn’t have time to check him out ;)
None of which proves anything - but I permitted myself a moment of hope that she will prove a moderating influence on her husband.
Really interesting, thanks Kath.
There are just no words, are there, that adequately describe that vile man - he is utterly contemptible.
Like others here, I applaud Bishops Budde's courage and compassion and hope that she does not suffer any adverse consequences as a result of her sermon.
Mariann for Nobel prize. In my experience having been forced Christianity during my youth, Ive found more caring decent people in life who are not Christians. Mariann is both
What CAN we do Nick? For the USA, not a lot, but here in Aotearoa we can do a lot if we have the guts to actually be part of a resistance, and to show the USA what is possible. There are numerous groups of the "Right" leaning attitude for politics, not really any that are of a "Left" leaning attitude - so we allow the Right to peddle their wares and propaganda with no alternate view - as a Group! Something like a Community Interested group to oppose the Self interested. For we all ultimately depend on ALL people - even the little corporal depends of community support. Perhaps a Voter Cooperative, a registered entity, a group with recorded members, a constitution and a mission for Community interest and not Self interest, non-partisan essential. Easy to set up if we have enough interest in doing so? My hand is up, any others?
I’m in.
Me too!
I feel enormous respect for Episcopalian Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: speaking truth to power is dangerous and she is extremely brave to stand up like this. I hope she and her family remain safe. I was brought up Catholic, but like many others who have commented, I am not a religious person; her talk of justice, fortitude, temperance, compassion, and love are heroic virtues.
I thought she was amazing & brave in front of the nasty red necks it gives you hope when someone speaks out like that that those societies that have turned nasty can actually turn around again back to some decent values.