During the Inaugural Prayer Service at the National Cathedral on January 21, 2025, The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop Episcopal Diocese of Washington, implored newly elected Pres. Trump to have mercy on immigrants, the most vulnerable individuals, families and children. Those targeted, and others who can be caught up in the chaos, are well aware of the harm about to befall them due to the sweeping mandate for immediate identification and deportation of immigrants by ICE agents.
Bishop Budde’s courageous preaching of Jesus’ teaching, speaking truth to power, is inspiring and most welcome during this dark time as we witness the implementation of countless inhumane actions.
Her full sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwwaEuDeqM8
A number of Catholic bishops have also spoken out in recent days. The following two statements were offered by Bishop Mark J. Seitz, chairman, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration.
In Bangor on January 31, 2025, Pax Christi Maine was invited to join the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine, Maine People’s Alliance, Indivisible Bangor, Food AND Medicine, at a press conference to address our grave concerns about the recent Executive Orders being signed by Pres. Trump.
Statement offered by Mary Ellen Quinn, Co-Coordinator of PCM:
“Faith communities in Maine and across the country are raising their voices in opposition to the accelerated arrests and detention of immigrants, the majority of whom are working people embedded in community life with families to support. They are not criminals…”
(For Mary Ellen’s full statement, see our next news post.)
It is a critical time in our country to join with faith communities and justice advocates to form coalitions and speak out in opposition to policies and actions that do harm to vulnerable people and the organizations that provide support services to them.
News Center Bangor coverage:
