House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) sparked controversy on Wednesday after criticizing Episcopalian Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde for comments she made during her prayer at the Washington National Cathedral. The bishop, addressing a divided nation, urged leaders to align their actions with their prayers.
“There isn’t much to be gained by our prayers if we act in ways that further deepen the divisions among us,” she said. “Our scriptures are quite clear about this, that God is never impressed with prayers when actions are not informed by them. Nor does God spare us from the consequences of our deeds which always, in the end, matter more than the words we pray.”
Johnson, known for his strong Christian nationalist stance, took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn Budde’s remarks, accusing her of using the National Prayer Service to push a political agenda. “Bishop Budde hijacked the National Prayer Service to promote her radical ideology,” Johnson wrote. “This was an opportunity to unify the country in prayer, but she used it to sow division. Even worse, she’s continued her political crusade in media interviews. Shameful.”
However, Johnson’s comments faced significant backlash, with critics questioning his interpretation of the bishop’s prayer. Former Tea Party Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) defended Budde, writing, “She asked the President of the United States to be ‘merciful’ and ‘compassionate.’ What’s so ‘radical’ about that @SpeakerJohnson?”
Many others echoed this sentiment. “How dare she ask for mercy for marginalized and persecuted people,” remarked Aaron Fritschner, deputy chief of staff to Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA). “What’s next — quoting Jesus Christ?”
Critics accused Johnson of using religion to defend political loyalty rather than embodying Christian values. Retired Air Force colonel Moe Davis wrote, “@SpeakerJohnson purports to be a Christian, but he’s outraged by the teachings of Christ? Now that’s shameful.” Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) added, “Quoting Jesus often does anger evil.”
Others highlighted the irony of labeling Budde’s plea for compassion as radical. MSNBC columnist Michael A. Cohen noted, “According to the Speaker of the House, expressing the sentiment that all of God’s children should be treated with humanity is a ‘radical ideology.'”
Budde’s remarks have reignited debates about the intersection of faith and politics, with many emphasizing that her call for mercy aligns with core Christian teachings. Johnson’s response, however, has drawn attention to the tension between religious principles and political partisanship.