Mariann Edgar Budde, born on December 10, 1959, in New Jersey, is a prominent leader within the Episcopal Church, currently serving as the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She oversees 86 congregations and ten Episcopal schools across the District of Columbia and four Maryland counties. Notably, she is the first woman to hold this position.
Mariann Edgar Budde Biography
Budde completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Rochester, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, magna cum laude, in 1982. She then obtained her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from the Virginia Theological Seminary. Before her election as Bishop of Washington in 2011, she served for 18 years as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In her role as bishop, Budde also serves as the chair of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, which oversees the ministries of the Washington National Cathedral and its affiliated schools. She is the author of “Gathering Up the Fragments: Preaching as Spiritual Practice” and “Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love,” with a foreword by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
Throughout her tenure, Bishop Budde has been an advocate for social justice and inclusivity. In June 2020, during the George Floyd protests, she publicly criticized the use of St. John’s Episcopal Church for a political photo opportunity, emphasizing that it was used “as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.” On January 21, 2025, she delivered a sermon at the Washington National Cathedral, calling on President Donald Trump to have mercy on LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and refugees.
Bishop Budde’s leadership continues to influence the Episcopal Church’s direction, particularly in areas of social justice, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Early Life and Education
Mariann Edgar Budde’s educational journey reflects a profound commitment to theological scholarship and ministry. In 1982, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Rochester with a Bachelor of Arts in history. Following her undergraduate studies, Budde dedicated time to community service in Tucson, Arizona, working with the Methodist Church to support homeless individuals, refugees, and the working poor.
Pursuing her calling in ministry, Budde enrolled at the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. She earned her Master of Divinity degree in 1989, equipping her with a solid foundation in theological studies and pastoral care. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and spiritual growth, she later achieved a Doctor of Ministry degree from the same institution in 2008.
In recognition of her significant contributions to the Episcopal Church and her dedication to ministry, the Virginia Theological Seminary honored Budde with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in May 2012.
Budde’s comprehensive education and hands-on experience have profoundly shaped her approach to leadership within the Episcopal Church, emphasizing service, inclusivity, and social justice.
Clerical Career
Before her election as Bishop of Washington, Budde served for 18 years as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her tenure there was marked by a commitment to community engagement and spiritual growth. On June 18, 2011, she was elected as the ninth Bishop of Washington and was consecrated on November 12, 2011, at the Washington National Cathedral.
Advocacy and Public Stance
Bishop Budde is known for her outspoken advocacy on social justice issues. On January 21, 2025, during a National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral, she delivered a sermon attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. In her message, she urged the President to show compassion and mercy towards marginalized communities, including immigrants and the LGBTQ+ population. This plea was met with criticism from President Trump, who dismissed the sermon as unexciting.
Publications
Mariann Edgar Budde is the author of two notable works: Gathering Up the Fragments: Preaching as Spiritual Practice and Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love, which includes a foreword by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. In Gathering Up the Fragments, Budde explores preaching as a spiritual discipline, offering insights into various aspects of this practice and proposing guidelines for preachers. She emphasizes the importance of attentiveness to congregants, encouraging pastors to prayerfully discern God’s messages for individuals and the community. The book also features a collection of sermons spanning the liturgical year, demonstrating the application of the discussed techniques.
In Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love, Budde looks into the Episcopal Church’s “Way of Love,” a framework introduced by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. She discusses how individuals can deepen their relationship with Jesus through seven spiritual practices: turning, learning, praying, worshiping, blessing, going, and resting. By sharing biblical narratives, wisdom from Christian traditions, and personal experiences of spiritual growth, Budde provides practical guidance for integrating these practices into daily life.
Through her writings, Budde reflects her deep commitment to spiritual development and social justice, offering readers pathways to enrich their faith and engage meaningfully with the world around them.
Personal Life
Mariann Edgar Budde is married to Paul Budde, and together they have two children. Throughout her tenure as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, she has been a vocal advocate for social justice and inclusivity. Notably, during a National Prayer Service in January 2025, she addressed President Donald Trump directly, urging him to show compassion towards marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants.
Her courageous stance during this service garnered significant attention and underscored her commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations. Bishop Budde’s leadership continues to inspire many within and beyond the Episcopal community, as she emphasizes the importance of mercy, unity, and respect for all individuals.
Conclusion
Mariann Edgar Budde’s life and career exemplify a profound dedication to faith, education, and social justice. Born on December 10, 1959, in New Jersey, she embarked on a journey that would lead her to become the first female Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Her academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Rochester and both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the Virginia Theological Seminary, laid a strong foundation for her theological and pastoral work.
Before her election as bishop in 2011, Budde served for 18 years as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her leadership there was marked by a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. As Bishop of Washington, she oversees 86 congregations and ten Episcopal schools across the District of Columbia and four Maryland counties, continuing her mission to serve and uplift diverse communities.
Beyond her administrative roles, Budde is a prolific author. Her works, such as Gathering Up the Fragments: Preaching as Spiritual Practice and Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love, reflect her deep commitment to spiritual development and social justice. These writings offer insights into the practice of preaching and the Episcopal Church’s “Way of Love,” providing guidance for individuals seeking to deepen their faith and engage meaningfully with the world around them.
Throughout her tenure, Bishop Budde has been an advocate for social justice and inclusivity. In June 2020, during the George Floyd protests, she publicly criticized the use of St. John’s Episcopal Church for a political photo opportunity, emphasizing that it was used “as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.” On January 21, 2025, she delivered a sermon at the Washington National Cathedral, calling on President Donald Trump to have mercy on LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and refugees.
Bishop Budde’s leadership continues to influence the Episcopal Church’s direction, particularly in areas of social justice, inclusivity, and community engagement. Her unwavering dedication to these principles serves as an inspiration to many, embodying the values of compassion, service, and faith in action.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde
1. Who is Mariann Edgar Budde?
Mariann Edgar Budde is an American Episcopal bishop who has served as the Bishop of Washington since 2011. She is the first woman to hold this position in the diocese’s history.
2. What is her educational background?
Bishop Budde earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, graduating magna cum laude from the University of Rochester in 1982. She received her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Virginia Theological Seminary.
3. What roles did she serve in before becoming Bishop of Washington?
Prior to her election, Bishop Budde served for 18 years as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
4. When was she consecrated as Bishop of Washington?
She was consecrated as the ninth Bishop of Washington on November 12, 2011, at the Washington National Cathedral.
5. What are some of her notable publications?
Bishop Budde is the author of “Gathering Up the Fragments: Preaching as Spiritual Practice” and “Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love,” which includes a foreword by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
6. Has she been involved in any significant public statements or actions?
Yes, on January 21, 2025, during a National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral, Bishop Budde delivered a sermon attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. In her message, she urged the President to show compassion and mercy towards marginalized communities, including immigrants and the LGBTQ+ population. This plea was met with criticism from President Trump, who dismissed the sermon as unexciting.
7. What is her stance on social issues?
Bishop Budde is known for her outspoken advocacy on social justice issues, including support for LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant families. She has consistently called for compassion and mercy towards marginalized communities.
8. Is she active on social media?
Yes, Bishop Budde maintains a presence on social media platforms. You can follow her on Facebook at
9. What is known about her personal life?
Bishop Budde is married to Paul Budde, and together they have two children.
10. How can I learn more about her work and the Episcopal Diocese of Washington?
For more information, you can visit the Episcopal Diocese of Washington’s official website at
