Why John Danforth Is Breaking with Modern Gop Lines and Calling Clergy 'Prophetic'
By Alexander Ross
The label "prophetic" carries heavy theological weight. Danforth applied the term deliberately to Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Budde drew national attention when she publicly rebuked the violent clearing of peaceful protesters outside St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, in June 2020 to facilitate an executive photo-op with a Bible. She took the stance that Scripture must never be used as a political prop.
Danforth recognized in Budde’s response the classical biblical tradition of calling political authority to account without surrendering to partisan malice. Speaking to faith leaders and commentators, Danforth pointed out that prophetic ministry demands courage: truth spoken directly to power regardless of which party occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. today institutional religious bodies often align their platforms with partisan PACs, Danforth saw Budde’s defense of the church yard as an act of pastoral fidelity.
His support for Budde highlighted the widening chasm between old-guard Republican churchmen and current party leaders. Mainstream evangelical power blocs condemned Budde’s remarks as partisan activism. Danforth viewed her actions through an entirely different lens: an ordained bishop safeguarding sacred symbols from secular exploitation.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
