Our Sacred Duty

We are called to listen deeply, to stand firm in our convictions, and to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ’s vision of a world where love, mercy, and justice reign.

by Father Lee Davis on January 22, 2025

Our Sacred Duty

On January 21st, at the National Prayer Service at Washington National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a powerful and challenging sermon, calling for compassion and justice. She directly addressed the pressing needs of our time, urging President Trump to "have mercy" on LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants—communities that often face fear, marginalization, and discrimination. Bishop Budde reminded us all of our shared humanity and the Gospel’s call to love and serve those on the margins.

In response, President Trump expressed dissatisfaction, describing the service as "boring" and criticizing Bishop Budde for her remarks. On his Truth Social account, he called her tone "nasty" and demanded an apology. Beyond this, some reactions to her sermon included disturbing calls for her to be deported—a statement not only unjust but profoundly antithetical to the values of our faith and what it means to be part of a democratic and compassionate society.

As Christians and members of the Episcopal Church, moments like these remind us of our sacred duty to stand for justice, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Our baptismal covenant calls us to "seek and serve Christ in all persons" and "strive for justice and peace, respecting the dignity of every human being." This commitment compels us to speak out against hatred and exclusion and to be unwavering in our support for those who are marginalized.

Bishop Budde’s words reflect the heart of Christ’s teachings. Jesus consistently stood with the outcast, the overlooked, and the oppressed, calling His followers to do the same. As a Church, we will continue to advocate for the dignity of all people—LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, the poor, and anyone else whose humanity is denied or diminished.

We may not always agree on political solutions, but our faith calls us to engage in civil discourse, marked by humility and love. We are called to listen deeply, to stand firm in our convictions, and to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ’s vision of a world where love, mercy, and justice reign.

At The Episcopal Church of St. Mary Magdalene & St. Martin, we reaffirm our commitment to these principles. Through our ministries, outreach, and community partnerships, we will continue to stand with and for those who are vulnerable and marginalized. Together, we will magnify the light of Christ, ensuring that all people know they are beloved, seen, and valued.

Let us go forth with courage and compassion, striving always to embody the radical, inclusive love of God.

Tags: faith, justice, sacred call

About the Author
Father Lee Davis

After a diverse career in marketing and finance and a sudden realization of the love and power of God that he discovered aboard a Navy ship, Father Lee Davis has the distinction of being baptized, confirmed, and received for Holy Orders on the same Sunday. He studied at Bexley Hall Seminary in Columbus, Ohio where he received a Master's of Divinity degree in 2009 and then served as priest-in-charge of St. Andrew's in Hollywood, Florida as well as an assisting priest at St. Benedict's in Plantation. Father Lee also worked as a Hospice Chaplain. When he left after a little more than two years, St. Andrew's had grown in membership and under his guidance extended its outreach into the community. He was also a pivotal leader of the Jubilee Center of Hollywood, a vital outreach ministry to the homeless and hungry, and served on the Board of Directors for St. Lawrence Chapel, serving the homeless in Pompano Beach. He also served on several diocesan committees working with the youth of the diocese.


In December 2012, Father Lee was called as rector of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Damascus, Maryland. During his 8 year tenure there the vestry of the parish noted that "His dynamic leadership, inspired preaching, creative ideas and compassionate pastoral care combined to bring a new level of excitement, commitment, and growth among the congregation." Through his leadership, he developed partnerships with other organizations in the community, helped establish a transitional home for victim's of domestic violence, began the process of developing affordable senior housing on some of the acreages of land owned by the church, and grew stewardship achieving their first balanced budget in over a decade. At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, he led the congregation into the development of an online presence and with a couple of dedicated lay members started a feeding program for families in need which continues today. He served in the Diocese of Washington DC helping in the implementation of a Diaconate Formation program as well as being on the Board of Directors of the Washington Episcopal Clergy Association and serving on the Diocesan Executive Council.


Amidst the COVID pandemic, Father Lee accepted the call to be our rector and began his tenure in September 2019. His leadership has already blessed our community.

Back to reflections