Have Mercy: Following Jesus in Politically Perilous Times

In an era of political upheaval, a book that strengthens core Christian convictions through the power of the Gospel. 

When Bishop of Washington Mariann Edgar Budde called on newly inaugurated President Donald Trump to have mercy during a January 2025 prayer service, the radical political implications of core Gospel work―preaching the Good News, caring for the poor and immigrant, healing the sick, and telling the truth―were laid bare.

What she asked was not unusual in the long history of God’s people. But it took on a radical edge due to the change in political context. The context may have changed, but the work stays the same.

Following Bishop Budde’s lead, this book features essays from theologians, ethicists, liturgists, and pastors who will consider one basic Christian commitment―“Love Thy Neighbor” or “Judge not, lest you be judged,” for example―in light of this political moment. Together, they explore the power of the Gospel for our times and provide resources to Christian leaders and the faith communities they serve.

To encourage reflection and dialogue, each essay concludes with three discussion questions that can be used in a variety of faith-based settings, from adult formation groups to book clubs.

Ruthanna B. Hooke is Professor of Homiletics and Program Director of the Preaching Congregations Initiative, a Lilly-endowment funded  congregationally-based program of renewal and formation for preachers and listeners, at the Virginia Theological Seminary. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Kyle Lambelet is Associate Professor of Ethics and Director of the Saint Nicholas Center for Faith and Justice at the Virginia Theological Seminary. He works at the intersections of moral, political, and ascetical theology. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Altagracia Perez-Bullard, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean of Multicultural Ministries and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at the Virginia Theological Seminary. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe was elected presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church in June 2024 and took office on Nov. 1 for a nine-year term. In this role, he serves as the church’s chief pastor and CEO. Known for his expertise in organizational learning and adaptive change, Rowe is committed to strengthening support for local ministry and mission.  

He was ordained bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2007 after serving as rector of St. John’s in Franklin, Pennsylvania, for seven years. From 2014 to 2018, he served as bishop provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, and from 2019 to 2024, he led a partnership between the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York. 

Rowe holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Grove City College, a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership from Gannon University. He has served as a leader of many civic and churchwide organizations and governance bodies, and as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops. 

MARIANN EDGAR BUDDE is the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and serves as president of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation. Prior to this, she served as rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Minneapolis. She earned her masters in divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from Virginia Theological Seminary. The author of Gathering the Fragments: Preaching as Spiritual Practice, her sermons have been published in books and journals.