Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson did not hold back in his criticism of the Episcopal Church following a controversial sermon by Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde. Carlson, a longtime Episcopalian himself, labeled the denomination an “angry, hateful organization” that he believes no longer reflects Christianity.
During an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, Carlson took direct aim at Budde’s comments from her January 21st sermon at Washington National Cathedral, which President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended. In her sermon, Budde pleaded with Trump to show “mercy” to marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants.
“In the Name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” Budde said, addressing the president. “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families. Some who fear for their lives.”
Carlson, 55, dismissed Budde’s message as an example of “woke-ism” infiltrating the church. “This is not a Christian organization at all,” he stated. “This is a very angry, hateful organization run by dreadfully unhappy middle-aged lesbians, which is exactly what it is. So only by showing that in public can it ever be forced to reform.”
Budde, who is married to her husband Paul and has two children, has been a vocal advocate for progressive causes within the Episcopal Church. Her sermon, which also urged Trump to have compassion for immigrants and those seeking asylum, received praise from some and sharp criticism from others, particularly conservatives.
Carlson argued that the Episcopal Church has strayed far from biblical principles and is instead driven by cultural trends. “I actually thought it was a hopeful thing that the rest of America, not just we Episcopalians, could see what it’s actually like, which is repulsive and totally non-Christian,” he said. “It’s pagan.”
This is not the first time Carlson has spoken out against his own denomination. In a 2013 interview, he expressed his frustration with the Episcopal Church’s stance on social issues, particularly its support for abortion and same-sex marriage. “They’re for gay marriage because it’s trendy,” he said at the time. “They don’t care at all what God thinks of it because they actually don’t believe in God.”
Carlson’s latest remarks sparked debate among religious leaders and political commentators. Some defended Budde’s sermon as a necessary call for justice, while others agreed with Carlson’s critique that the church has become too politically driven.
Rumors swirled on social media that Budde had been removed from her position following the controversy, but Washington National Cathedral officials quickly denied those claims. “I can confirm without hesitation that Bishop Budde very much remains the Episcopal Bishop of Washington,” said Kevin Eckstrom, the cathedral’s chief public affairs officer.
As the debate continues, Carlson’s comments highlight a broader discussion within Christianity about the role of politics in the pulpit. While some believe faith should challenge leaders to act with compassion and justice, others warn against churches embracing ideologies that stray from biblical teachings.
What do you think? Should churches address political issues, or should they remain focused solely on spiritual matters?