Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde of Washington DC to resign in 2028

Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde of Washington DC, who drew national attention for urging President Donald Trump to "have mercy" on immigrants and LGBTQ+ people after his second inauguration, has announced her resignation. She will leave her post on June 3, 2028, following the consecration of her successor. Budde, 66, the first woman to lead the diocese since her election in 2011, said in a letter that she made the decision in consultation with diocesan leadership and the Presiding Bishop's office. The standing committee will outline next steps, including appointing committees for the bishop election process. Budde previously clashed with Trump during his first term, writing a New York Times opinion piece criticizing his photo opportunity with a Bible at St. John's Episcopal church after protesters were cleared with force. She has committed to ensuring a strong transition for the diocese's tenth bishop.