A Pastor’s heart speaks

The Episcopalian Bishop of Washington DC. Mariann Edgar Budde spoke during Tuesday’s interfaith prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, and what she said is probably what most of Americans would like to tell President Donald Trump. Her comments came after Mr Trump promised to carry out the biggest deportation in US history and his executive order stating the government will recognise only two sexes. President Trump and Vice-President Vance were in the congregation, as well as all the other relatives and personalities present at the inauguration on Monday. Bishop Budde said: 

 "Let me make one final plea, Mr President. Millions have put their trust in you. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in democratic, republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives. These are the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms, and meat-packing plants, those who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors, they are faithful members of our churches, and mosques, synagogues and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away. And that you help those who are fleeing war and persecution in their own lands, to find compassion and welcome here. Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land.”

On Monday, even Pope Francis remarked on hearing that Trump plans to deport all illegal foreigners...’this is a disgrace!’ I personally worked with many Mexicans and South Americans while in Oregon, and I knew they were very faithful to their church, to their families and to their work. Many of them support their parishes with utmost dedication. I pray that they can remain without any fear or threat.