Marian Episcopal Bishop Edgar Budde asked President Donald Trump to show mercy to immigrants and sexual minorities during Tuesday’s mass at Washington National Cathedral. He also appealed to her to “empathize” with refugees fleeing war-torn countries, assuring her that most immigrants are not criminals. “I don’t think it was a good service,” Trump said afterward.
– In the name of our God, I am asking you to have mercy on the people of our country who are living in fear today. Among us are gay, lesbian and transgender children. They grow up in democratic, republican and independent families. They fear for their lives now, Marian Episcopal Bishop Edgar Budde told Donald Trump, who was sitting in the front row, during the service at the National Cathedral.
Marian Episcopal Church Bishop Edgar Buddeville OLIVER/PAP/EPA
The priest also urged the president to “feel compassion” for refugees fleeing war-torn countries, assuring him that most migrants are not criminals.
– There are those who harvest our crops every day, clean our offices, work in poultry factories and meat factories. They wash dishes in restaurants after we eat or are on duty at night in hospitals. They may not have citizenship or proper documents, but the vast majority of them are criminals, said Marian Edgar Budde. – These are people who pay taxes, are good neighbors and faithful members of our churches, mosques, synagogues and temples, – added the priest.
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Trump: I don’t think it was a good service
Immediately after the ceremony, Trump spoke and nodded to Vice President Vance, who was seated next to him. After leaving the church, when asked about his evaluation of the service, he said it was “not that exciting.” – I think it was not a good service. They can do much better, he added.
Donald Trump during a service at the National Cathedral in Washington Jabin Botsford/PAP/EPA
On Monday, Trump signed and announced dozens of other regulations and legislation, including a freeze on refugee admissions and a freeze on asylum. Other acts included the restoration of recognition of the two biological sexes, as well as the repeal of policies on inclusion and protection of minorities from discrimination.
READ MORE: Trump’s avalanche of executive orders
Main photo: WILL OLIVER/PAP/EPA