Letter to Bishop Budde

Dear Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde,

The Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (WATER) thanks and commends you for your excellent service and sermon at A Service of Prayer for the Nation on January 21, 2025. The Cathedral truly functioned as “A House of Prayer for all People” and you led the way with a message of unity and mercy. The nation is in your debt.

We applaud your forthright message. Immigrants, as well as Gay, Lesbian, and Trans people, along with others who are marginalized by those in power, tremble in the face of policies and Executive Orders that dehumanize all of us. Thank you for making public and explicit the expectation of this nation that all persons will be treated with dignity and respect regardless of status.

You modeled what religious leaders do, namely, unite people for the common good. We your siblings in ministry, education, and activism stand with and around you, wishing you every blessing and protection as you continue your stalwart and fruitful ministry.

Sincerely with gratitude,​

Mary E. Hunt, Diann L. Neu, Magdalena Müller, Wed Naji

WATER Co-directors and Staff