Welcoming The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, to the Seabury Resources for Aging Board of Governors
Seabury Resources for Aging is thrilled to announce the appointment of The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, to its Board of Governors. As a prominent spiritual leader overseeing 86 Episcopal congregations and 10 Episcopal schools across the District of Columbia and four Maryland counties, Bishop Budde brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to social justice and community service. Bishop Budde made history as the first woman elected to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and she has consistently advocated for the dignity and inclusion of every person, particularly those from marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Her belief that “Jesus calls us to strive for justice and peace, and to respect the dignity of every human being” resonates deeply with Seabury’s mission to empower older adults and foster inclusive communities. Consecrated as the ninth Bishop of Washington in November 2011, Bishop Budde previously served for 18 years as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Rochester, as well as a Master’s in Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary.
Her sermons have been published in various books and journals, and she is the author of two books: Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love (2019) and Gathering Up the Fragments: Preaching as Spiritual Practice (2007).
Bishop Budde’s personal journey as a caregiver to her recently deceased mother has profoundly shaped her perspective on aging and community support. In a moving homily from January 2023, she shared, “It’s my call to care now for my 91-year-old mother... it’s a claim on my life, and God’s been very clear about that with me.” This experience reinforces her commitment to advocating for older adults and their families.
As Seabury continues its tradition of honoring the historical connection with the Episcopal Church, Bishop Budde’s election marks a significant transition from an honorary role to a full participating, voting member of the Board. This change reflects Seabury’s ongoing dedication to inclusivity and leadership within the community. “We are honored to welcome Bishop Budde to our board,” said Craig McCullough, Chair of Seabury’s Board. “Her leadership as an ally will greatly enhance our efforts to support older adults and their families, especially as we prepare to host Silver Pride for LGBTQ+ older adults during the DC World Pride event this summer.” Dawn M. Quattlebaum, CEO of Seabury Resources for Aging, expressed her enthusiasm: “Her deep commitment to social justice and extensive experience in community leadership will be invaluable as we strive to enhance the lives of older adults. We look forward to collaborating with her to create inclusive and supportive environments for everyone to age with dignity and independence.” With Bishop Budde’s guidance, Seabury Resources for Aging is poised to continue its mission of upliftingolder adults in our community.
To read this article in its entirety or for more information about Seabury and its initiatives, please visit seaburyresources.org.
