Two Years After Her Viral Call for "Mercy," Bishop Budde Has a Message for All: Vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct 5, 2026

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Two Years After Her Viral Call for "Mercy," Bishop Budde Has a Message for All: Vote

New ad part of #LoveNotICE campaign, debuts alongside Interfaith Alliance's "Vote Is Sacred" bus tour stops in fifteen states 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Interfaith Alliance and Protect Democracy United today launched "Mercy," the newest and final ad in the #LoveNotICE campaign, featuring Bishop Mariann Budde echoing the powerful message of mercy that drew national attention during the 2025 inaugural prayer service, this time with a direct, personal appeal to vote. 

"I believe courage and kindness are contagious. When one person chooses to love their neighbors — to truly see them and stand with them — it inspires others to do the same,” said the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. “That is what this campaign is about, and it is why I am honored to be part of it. Choose kindness. Choose your neighbor. And choose to vote."

The powerful and inspiring spot will run October 5 through October 18 in four local media markets – Cedar Rapids, IA; Eau Claire, WI; Pittsburgh, PA; and Raleigh, NC – timed to coincide with local stops on Interfaith Alliance's nonpartisan "Vote Is Sacred" bus tour, which is focused on GOTV and election protection in faith communities.

"Bishop Budde has been a beacon of moral courage – making clear that people of faith in our country are called to practice mercy, charity and compassion, not cruelty, division or discrimination. ," said Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. “Her new ad as part of the #LoveNotICE campaign echoes that inspiring message - and underlines why, with so much at stake, people of faith need to exercise their sacred right to vote this fall.”

The #LoveNotICE campaign is part of a broader effort by Interfaith Alliance and Protect Democracy United to activate 100,000 people of faith ahead of November 2026, ensuring the outcome of the election reflects the will of voters. According to Protect Democracy's Executive Override report, the administration is deploying a deliberate strategy to deceive voters, disrupt the operation of elections, and deny unfavorable results — making the role of faith communities and civil society more critical than ever.

"Bishop Budde's words a year and a half ago reached people well beyond any one congregation or party, and they're just as true today," said Ian Bassin, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Protect Democracy United. "As faith communities prepare for the final weeks before the midterms, this ad is a reminder that showing mercy, showing courage, and showing up to vote are not separate acts — they're the same act."

To learn more or get involved, visit LoveNotICE.org. For more information visit: ProtectDemocracy.org

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‍Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America's promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all.