Bishop Marianne Budde’s plea for mercy was a bittersweet bite for President-elect Donald J. Trump. However, Hive Bakery has come up with Budde’s plea for mercy-themed cookies which offer a sweet treat.
On January 20, 2025, during the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump. Bishop Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington took a courageous action which was necessary for a lot of people, both the individuals who will be directly and tragically affected by Trump’s upcoming agenda and the ones who did not support it.
Bishop Budde emphasized a call for humility, compassion, and mercy from leaders and citizens alike.
“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives. The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants, and work the night shifts in hospitals, they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara, and temples,” Budde said.
This sermon’s plea of mercy was widely appreciated not only in the U.S. but also in other countries. Witnessing a courageous woman who is a widely important figure in the church of the U.S defy stigmas had a deeply touching effect, inspiring the Hive Bakery.
The Hive Bakery located at 360 Parker Square Rd Flower Mound, Texas 75028, has baked a batch of cookies showcasing the face of Bishop Mariann Budde. These cookies quickly sold out, reflecting public resonance with her message.
The bakery’s intention to contribute to Budde’s statement of mercy has been controversial, while some people responded with support, the majority were critical and responded with hatred, rejecting any attempt to be united and empathize with the victims of this situation.
“We only got threatened with physical violence over the phone, 5 times today. We only got told they hope our bakery goes broke and we end up homeless 3 times today. We only got called fat and ugly 6 times today. We only got asked to make Trump-themed cakes 42 times today, from people in other states who had no intention of ordering. Shit* was wild!” Owner Haley Popp wrote on Facebook.
“To all of our actual customers and fans and supporters, you are why we keep doing this. Never let them silence you. Keep pushing,” Popp added.
In an interview with WFAA Haley Popp expressed her experience since the batch of cookies came out, she stated her disgust for the current president: “Donald Trump is vile. I did not vote for him. I wouldn’t do that in a million years.” She mentioned that Trump supporters have been making aggressive prank calls to the phone lines and placing orders for Trump-themed cakes, which she believed were not intended for actual purchase. She additionally told WFAA: “We always reply that we will make their cake, ask when they need it and how many people it will serve. And the answer is always ‘eat [explicit]’ or something like that. Even though the criminal they voted for won, they still come for us like children with schoolyard insults. It’s never enough. They’re bullies. These people who reside here in this town are absolute garbage.”
To witness an important figure within the Episcopal Church, a leader in the global Anglican Communion, deliver an authentic message grounded in Christ’s teachings may seem surprising but it has a profound and hopeful effect. As the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Budde’s role is vital not only in her religious community but also in broader societal discussions. Beyond her spiritual leadership, she has emerged as a prominent feminist figure, using her voice to challenge power structures and address injustices. Through her courageous stance on issues like mercy, equality, and compassion, Budde has transcended traditional barriers, offering a powerful plea for mercy that resonates with both religious and feminist movements.
We can expect that the sermon that Marianne Budde preached will mobilize the people who seek a united America.