
Politics and Religion. We’re not supposed to talk about that, right? Wrong! We only say that nowadays because the loudest, most extreme voices have taken over the whole conversation. Well, we‘re taking some of that space back! If you’re dying for some dialogue instead of all the yelling; if you know it’s okay to have differences without having to hate each other; if you believe politics and religion are too important to let ”the screamers” drown out the rest of us and would love some engaging, provocative and fun conversations about this stuff, then ”Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other” is for you!
Episodes

Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
In this timely edition of Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other, host Corey Nathan welcomes Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Washington National Cathedral. Bishop Budde is a well-respected spiritual leader who has appeared on PBS NewsHour, Meet the Press, Good Morning America, and The Today Show.
The conversation dives into Bishop Budde’s faith journey, her reflections on political and social issues, and her approach to leading with grace and courage in divisive times. The discussion also touches on the controversy surrounding her sermon and how she directly addressed Donald Trump at the National Cathedral following the 2025 presidential inauguration.
What We Discuss
- Bishop Budde’s personal faith journey, from her early religious experiences to her leadership in the Episcopal Church.
- The challenges of navigating faith, politics, and national unity in today’s polarized climate.
- How to extend grace and practice mercy even in the face of criticism.
- The role of the church in advocating for social justice, particularly regarding immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Strategies for engaging in difficult conversations while maintaining mutual respect.
Episode Highlights
[00:00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde.
[00:02:00] – Bishop Budde shares her faith journey and the struggles she faced reconciling different religious influences.
[00:10:00] – The tension between faith and exclusivity: why some versions of Christianity felt limiting to her.
[00:15:00] – The discipline of grace: choosing to respond with compassion rather than anger, even when faced with opposition.
[00:26:00] – Bishop Budde’s response to the 2025 presidential inauguration sermon controversy and the importance of speaking truth with love.
[00:38:00] – Handling criticism and maintaining a sense of personal and spiritual balance.
[00:52:00] – Finding hope in uncertain times: How we can cultivate a spirit of resilience and faith amid societal challenges.
[00:55:00] – The importance of dialogue: How to foster better conversations across political and religious differences.
[01:03:00] – Final thoughts and how to follow Bishop Budde’s work.
Featured Quotes
"If it’s not about love, it’s not about God." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde
"The discipline of grace is a practice, not a gift. It’s about choosing to respond with love even when it’s difficult." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde
"To be raised from the dead—whatever that means in our own lives—requires our consent to live again, to have our hearts broken again, and to take on all of life again." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde
"We need to ask ourselves: When was the last time I changed my mind? True dialogue requires being open to seeing the world differently." – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde
Resources Mentioned
- Bishop Budde’s Book: How We Learn to Be Brave
- Episcopal Diocese of Washington – www.edow.org
📣 Call to Action
If you found this conversation insightful, please:
✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.
✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics
✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion
✅ Watch the full conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media
@coreysnathan:
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde:
- Episcopal Church of Washington: Website
Our Sponsors
- Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
- Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com
Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
Comments (0)
To leave or reply to comments, please download free Podbean or
No Comments
To leave or reply to comments,
please download free Podbean App.