Anglican Episcopal bishop calls on Trump to show mercy to LGBT children

Washington Bishop Mariann Budde. Photo: Screenshot from PBS NewsHour YouTube channel

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C, representing the Episcopal Anglican Church, called on Donald Trump "to have mercy" upon communities, children in particular, identifying as homosexual and transgender during a sermon at an interfaith prayer service at the National Cathedral in Washington, attended by the President and Vice President. Budde’s speech was published on the PBS NewsHour YouTube channel.

"There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families – some who fear for their lives," the bishop assured the audience, highlighting the contributions of many immigrants in the United States.

"They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals," Budde said. "They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwaras, and temples."

Budde's comments come after Trump signed a flurry of executive orders late Monday,  including one recognizing only two sexes – male and female – and another restricting immigration to carry out his campaign promise to target migrants, especially those who have committed crimes in the U.S.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that after Trump took office, the White House removed LGBT content from federal websites.

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