A historic Washington, D.C., church damaged during protests against cops cruelty over the weekend pledged solidarity with protesters on Monday– hours before President Donald Trump used its building for a photo-op.
After an interview in the Rose Garden Monday evening, Trump strolled from the White House to posture in front of St. John’s Church’s sign while holding a Bible. Law enforcement fired tear gas at numerous peaceful protesters to clear the method for Trump, The Associated Press reported
The church comes from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington– part of a progressive denomination that has actually often stood at odds with the president’s policies and methods.
Bishop Mariann Budde, leader of The Episcopal Diocese of Washington, told HuffPost that she was “annoyed” about Trump’s look. “I am going to do whatever in my power to disassociate our church from what the president did this evening,” she said.
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Trump utilized the Bible and St. John’s Church as a background for a message that is “antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and whatever that our church stands for,” Budde said in a separate statement
” He did not pray when he pertained to St. John’s,” Budde said. The president also failed to acknowledge the pain of individuals of color who are “truly demanding an end to 400 years of systemic bigotry and white supremacy.”
” In no way do we support the President’s incendiary response to a wounded, grieving country,” she said.
Budde told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that she had no idea that Trump was preparing to appear at the church on Monday– she learnt about it by enjoying it on tv, like everyone else.
” I simply can’t think what my eyes have seen tonight,” she stated.
St. John’s Church lies throughout the street from Lafayette Square, a park that lies directly north of the White Home and has actually ended up being an event spot considering that protests appeared over the death of George Floyd, a Black guy who was eliminated in Minneapolis recently by a white officer who kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes.
St. John’s continual damaged late Sunday night during protests. By Monday afternoon, the Episcopal church had actually established a hospitality station outside its front doors– offering protesters water bottles, hand sanitizing liquid, snacks and a place to rest.
Hours before Trump’s photo-op at the church, Budde told HuffPost that while she was unfortunate to find out about the damage to the church, individuals are what matter in the end.
” There’s a huge distinction in between death at