Mariann Budde

Mariann Budde, born on December tenth, nineteen fifty-nine, is a prominent American Episcopal prelate who has made history as the first female Bishop of Washington since her consecration in two thousand eleven. Her journey in the Anglican faith began with her ordination as a deacon in nineteen eighty-eight, followed by her ordination as a priest in nineteen eighty-nine.

Before ascending to the bishopric, Budde served as the rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from nineteen ninety-three until her appointment as bishop. Her leadership has been marked by significant actions, including the removal of stained-glass windows honoring Confederate generals from the Washington National Cathedral in two thousand seventeen, which were later replaced in two thousand twenty-three with windows celebrating the civil rights movement.

In two thousand eighteen, she presided over the interment of the ashes of Matthew Shepard, a young man whose tragic murder highlighted the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Budde's influence extends beyond her diocese; she delivered a benediction at the two thousand twenty Democratic National Convention and provided a homily at the interfaith prayer service following Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration in January two thousand twenty-five. Her sermon emphasized compassion and mercy for marginalized groups, drawing both criticism and praise from various public figures and faith leaders.