Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde to Preach Palm Sunday Sermon at Grace Cathedral, Join Conversation on Courage

SAN FRANCISCO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and spiritual leader of Washington National Cathedral, will deliver the Palm Sunday sermon at Grace Cathedral on Sunday, April 13, at 11 a.m. She will also take part in a public conversation at 1 p.m. about her latest book, How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith.

Bishop Budde gained national attention on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, for what The New York Times called "an extraordinary act of public resistance." During a prayer service for former President Donald Trump's second inauguration, she directly addressed him, urging him to "have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now," including members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and refugees.

At Grace Cathedral, Bishop Budde will preach on Palm Sunday, a day that, for many Christians, evokes the image of a courageous Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a humble donkey, fully aware that he is facing not only his death but also the power of the Roman Empire. It is a moment that speaks to faith, conviction, and the willingness to challenge authority in the pursuit of justice. Following the service, she will join Bishop Austin Keith Rios of the Diocese of California and the Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young, dean of Grace Cathedral, for a discussion about bravery in life and faith.

Bishop Budde, the first woman to serve as bishop of Washington, is a leading advocate for social justice and has spoken out on issues including racial equity, gun violence prevention, immigration reform, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Her book explores the moments when individuals are called to push past fear and act with strength.

Both the sermon and the conversation will be available for viewing afterward on Grace Cathedral's YouTube and Apple Podcast channels.

Event Details

Palm Sunday with Guest Preacher Bishop Mariann Budde
Sunday, April 13 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Grace Cathedral
More info: https://gracecathedral.org/calendar-events/the-sunday-of-the-passion-palm-sunday-in-person-and-livestream-2025/

A Conversation with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: How We Learn to Be Brave
Sunday, April 13 | 1 to 2 p.m. | Grace Cathedral
More info: https://gracecathedral.org/calendar-events/a-conversation-with-bishop-mariann-edgar-budde-how-we-learn-to-be-brave/

About the Episcopal Diocese of California

The Episcopal Diocese of California serves a diverse community of faith encompassing the greater San Francisco Bay Area. With approximately 18,000 baptized members, the diocese has 72 active congregations in six counties. More information about the Diocese of California can be found at diocal.org.

About Grace Cathedral

Grace Cathedral is an Episcopal church in the heart of San Francisco and the third-largest Episcopal cathedral in the United States. It is a working cathedral and a house of prayer for all people, serving the community and its congregation with courage, joy, and wonder through prayer, the arts, and connection. Everyone is welcome to participate in its beautiful traditional and contemporary expressions of spirituality and prayer.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Martin Taylor
Canon for Diocesan Communications
Episcopal Diocese of California
412-869-7820 or (cell) 415-271-2441
[email protected] 

Eva Woo Slavitt
Canon Director of Marketing & Communications
Grace Cathedral
925-876-9435
[email protected]

SOURCE Grace Cathedral