'God have mercy on us': GOP rep slammed over 'dangerous' response to bishop’s plea to Trump

21 January

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington — who led the inaugural prayer service Washington, DC Tuesday received fierce backlash from a Republican congressman after asking President Donald Trump to "have mercy" on LGBTQ people and immigrants.

“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” said Budde, as Trump, Vice President Vance, and their families looked on.

"There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families. Some who fear for their lives. They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues."

Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) shared the video via X, writing: "The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list."

Several journalists and immigration experts immediately slammed the Georgia lawmaker over his remark.

Religion News Service national reporter Jack Jenkins replied: "Note: The person giving the sermon in question is Bishop Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington. Collins is suggesting deporting a U.S. citizen and bishop for delivering a sermon in accordance with their faith."

Longtime journalist John Harwood commented: "dangerous lunacy"

American Immigration Council senior fellow Aaron Reichlin-Melnick added: "A sitting member of Congress calls for the deportation of a bishop who asked Trump to show mercy to those in the country who are afraid. We are in a dark moment in this country and have abandoned our founding principles. God have mercy on us."

Center for International Policy Vice President for Government Affairs Dylan Williams commented: "You know wanting to punish and purge people for exercising freedom of speech and other basic American rights makes you a fascist, right?"

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