# Plain Language Summary: House Resolution 59

This is a resolution expressing the opinion of the House of Representatives about a sermon given by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Prayer Service held at the National Cathedral on January 21st, 2025. The resolution states that the House believes the sermon was an example of political activism rather than a religious message, and it condemns what the resolution describes as a "distorted message" in that sermon.

To be clear about what this actually does: this resolution doesn't change any laws or create any new rules. It's essentially a formal statement of opinion from members of Congress. It doesn't punish anyone, restrict anyone's speech, or require any action to be taken. It's one branch of government on record saying they disagreed with what a religious leader said at a public event.

The practical impact on everyday people is essentially zero. Bishop Budde can continue her work as a religious leader without any legal consequences. The resolution won't affect her job, her ability to speak, or anything else in her daily life. What it does do is create a political record—it shows which members of Congress supported this statement criticizing her sermon. For citizens, this is mainly relevant if you care about tracking how your representatives view the relationship between religion and politics, or if you're interested in what happened at this particular prayer service.

This type of resolution is common in Congress. Members frequently pass resolutions expressing support for or opposition to various statements, events, or people. They're a way for Congress to go on record with their opinions without actually changing policy or law.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the sermon given by the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Prayer Service on January 21st, 2025, at the National Cathedral was a display of political activism and condemning its distorted message.

Brecheen, Josh

<p>This resolution expresses (1) the sense of the House of Representatives that the sermon given at the National Prayer Service on January 21st, 2025, at the National Cathedral was a display of political activism, and (2)&nbsp;that the House condemns the message of&nbsp;Right Reverend&nbsp;Mariann Edgar Budde.</p>