Integrity USA Applauds Election of Budde as Bishop of Washington, DC.

Integrity USA applauds the election of the of the Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC. Budde was elected at a special convention at Washington National Cathedral to succeed Bishop John Bryson Chane, a long time friend and ally to the LGBT faithful.


"We are delighted that the Diocese of Washington has elected Rev. Dr. Mariann Edgar Budde as bishop diocesan," said the Rev Dr. Caroline Hall, President of Integrity USA.

"The Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde has long been an advocate for equality in church and society, and a leader for social justice. She will continue the fine tradition of Bishop John Chane to advocate for the oppressed and not be afraid to take a stand for justice. "

Hall continued, " She is the 18th women elected as a bishop in the Episcopal Church. And, it has been four years since a female diocesan bishop has been elected (Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves in the Diocese of El Camino Real), so we are also very happy to see another woman join the ranks of the diocesans."

The Washington Post wrote, "Budde, who has been St. John’s rector since 1993, speaks fluent Spanish and has a long history of working among Spanish-speaking people. She is also the author of the 2009 book “Gathering Up the Fragments: Preaching as Spiritual Practice.”

Budde earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in theology at the Virginia Theological Seminary after studying history at the University of Rochester as an undergraduate. Since 2001, she has been a conference leader of CREDO, an organization devoted to clergy health and wellness. She has been married to Paul Budde for 25 years and has two adult children. "

Budde released this statement upon her election: “I am honored and overjoyed to accept the call to serve as the next bishop of Washington,” Budde said in a statement. “I pledge to serve God, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and people and ministries of the diocese with my whole heart, doing everything I can to support and strengthen the mission God has entrusted to you.”

Her consecration and installation as bishop is scheduled for Nov. 12.