Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde serves as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC. Prior to her election in 2011, she served as a parish priest in Minneapolis for eighteen years. Bishop Mariann earned both Master in Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Virginia Theological Seminary. She is a life-long student of history, and an advocate and organizer in support of justice concerns, including racial equity, gun violence prevention, immigration reform, the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons, and the care of creation.  She has appeared on PBS NewsHour, Meet the Press, Good Morning America, and the Today show, among others. Bishop Mariann is the author of three books, including How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, which was adapted for young readers as We Can Be Brave in 2025.