Princeton Theological Seminary to host Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde for leadership conversation

Princeton Theological Seminary will welcome Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde on Oct. 22 in Princeton, New Jersey, for a public conversation, book signing and reception focused on courageous leadership. The event ties Budde’s bestselling book and public witness to a broader discussion about faith, leadership and moral decision-making.

Why it matters: - The event centers on leadership under pressure, with a focus on courage, compassion and conviction. - Budde’s public profile gives the conversation added relevance for faith leaders, educators and anyone navigating high-stakes decisions. - The program links a bestselling book tour with a broader discussion of moral witness and public leadership.

What happened: - Princeton Theological Seminary will host Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde on Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. for “How We Learn to Be Brave: A Conversation with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde.” - The program includes a discussion, book signing and reception. - Rev. Dr. Anne Stewart, MDiv ’08, executive vice president and project director of Iron Sharpening Iron, will moderate the discussion. - The event is open to the public and will take place at Princeton Theological Seminary’s Wright Library, 25 Library Pl, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. - Registration is available through the event listing as provided by the seminary.

The details: - Budde is the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, D.C., and the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. - Her diocese includes congregations and Episcopal schools in the District of Columbia and four Maryland counties. - Budde is also the chair of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, which oversees the ministries of the Washington National Cathedral and Cathedral schools. - Budde is the New York Times bestselling author of How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith. - The event is sponsored by Princeton Seminary’s Iron Sharpening Iron program for executive leadership and the Center for Theology, Women, and Gender. - Thais Carter, director for strategic initiatives and associate director of Iron Sharpening Iron, said the program reflects a core conviction that there is no one right way to lead. - Carter said Budde represents an example of how to face difficult moments with integrity and authenticity.

Between the lines: - Princeton Seminary is using the event to connect theological reflection with practical leadership training. - Budde’s presence likely broadens the audience beyond clergy, since her leadership has drawn national attention outside church circles. - The seminary is framing bravery as a learnable leadership practice, not just a personality trait. - Budde’s public response during the Jan. 21, 2025 Inauguration Day prayer service remains part of her national profile, after she urged the president to show mercy toward people who were scared, including LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants and refugees. - The New York Times described that moment as “an extraordinary act of public resistance.”

What's next: - Media members can RSVP or request interviews by contacting Linda Romano at linda.romano@ptsem.edu. - Princeton Theological Seminary is positioning the conversation as part of its broader leadership and public engagement work. - The event may also serve as a platform for continued discussion around faith-based leadership in moments of conflict and uncertainty.

The bottom line: - Princeton Theological Seminary is bringing a nationally known bishop to campus for a public conversation about what brave leadership looks like in practice.