The Tennessean's letters reflect the views of the authors and add to public discourse. At issue: Bishop Mariann Budde's sermon addressing Trump.

Let’s name the truth: Bishop Budde’s call for mercy was not an attack. It was a reminder. A reminder that leadership without mercy is tyranny. A reminder that the church’s foundation lies in caring for the “least of these.” A reminder that our faith demands responsibility for the vulnerable.

A scholar of medieval Christianity explores the history of Christians who spoke out, unafraid to risk official censure or even death.

The bishop who asked President Trump to “have mercy” to immigrants and transgender teenagers says politics and faith can’t be separated, but she’s not trying to be the face of a new resistance movement to the GOP.