Full Breakdown
Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde Announces 2028 Resignation and Succession Plan
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Resignation and Election Timeline
On Oct. 1, 2026, Rev Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington DC, announced that she will step down after the election and consecration of her successor. She said she will leave her post on June 3, 2028. The diocesan convention is slated to elect the tenth bishop in January 2028, with the new bishop’s consecration expected later that June. The standing committee will appoint two committees next week to oversee the transition process.
Background: Political Engagement
Budde, the first woman to lead the Washington diocese since her 2011 election, gained national attention in January 2025 when she addressed President Donald Trump directly during a post-inauguration service at the Washington National Cathedral. In that sermon she urged Trump to “show mercy” to immigrants and LGBTQ+ people, citing fears for their safety. The appeal sparked both praise and criticism, including a harsh response from Trump on social media. Budde’s earlier public actions include a 2021 interview in which she emphasized a “moral, not partisan” stance on advocacy.
Transition Planning
Budde emphasized a collaborative approach to the leadership change. She pledged to work with diocesan staff and leadership bodies to ensure the diocese remains “strong and healthy” throughout the transition. The process will involve two newly appointed committees that will manage the election timeline, candidate vetting, and the logistical steps required for the June 2028 consecration.
Official Statements
The Episcopal News Service reported that Budde described the diocese as “the one I love” and expressed prayer for the incoming bishop.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have not come to this decision lightly or alone, and it will not be easy to say goodbye to the diocese I love,” — Rev Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington DC