Calgary D.C. Church 'Outraged' That Trump Used It As Photo-Op | HuffPost Latest News - Action.News ABC Action News WestNet-HD Weather Traffic

A historic Washington, D.C., church damaged during protests against police brutality over the weekend pledged solidarity with protesters on Monday hours before President Donald Trump used its building for a photo-op.

After a press conference in the Rose Garden Monday evening, Trump walked from the White House to pose in front of St. Johns Churchs sign while holding a Bible. Law enforcement fired tear gas at hundreds of peaceful protesters to clear the way for Trump, The Associated Press reported .

The church belongs to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington part of a progressive denomination that has often stood at odds with the presidents policies and tactics.

Bishop Mariann Budde, leader of The Episcopal Diocese of Washington, told HuffPost that she was outraged about Trumps appearance. I am going to do everything in my power to disassociate our church from what the president did tonight, she said.

We have the greatest country in the worldand we will keep America safe. pic.twitter.com/lqHaUZ4wxW

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We have the greatest country in the worldand we will keep America safe. pic.twitter.com/lqHaUZ4wxW
The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 1, 2020

Trump used the Bible and St. Johns Church as a backdrop for a message that is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for, Budde said in a separate statement .

He did not pray when he came to St. Johns, Budde said. The president also failed to acknowledge the agony of people of color who are rightfully demanding an end to 400 years of systemic racism and white supremacy.

In no way do we support the Presidents incendiary response to a wounded, grieving nation, she said.

Budde told CNNs Anderson Cooper that she had no idea that Trump was planning to appear at the church on Monday she found out about it by watching it on television, like everyone else.

I just cant believe what my eyes have seen tonight, she said.

St. Johns Church is located across the street from Lafayette Square, a park that lies directly north of the White House and has become a gathering spot since protests erupted over the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed in Minneapolis last week by a white officer who kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

St. Johns sustained damage late Sunday night during protests. By Monday afternoon, the Episcopal church had set up a hospitality station outside its front doors offering protesters water bottles, hand sanitizing liquid, snacks and a place to rest.

Hours before Trumps photo-op at the church, Budde told HuffPost that while she was sad to hear about the damage to the church, people are what matter in the end.

Theres a huge difference between loss of life at the hands of a police officer as part of a systemic pattern of racism, and being concerned about the basement of a church, Budde said Monday evening. Were trying to keep our focus on the major issues.

Eight members of the clergy from Buddes diocese were at the church Monday to help with the hospitality station, she said. The diocese plans to maintain a presence outside St. Johns until the protests cease.

We just wanted to make sure the church wasnt just a building, that there were people there praying, offering support and solidarity, offering refreshments, opening the door of the church for people to go to the bathroom, Budde said. Just to have a sense that were not just a historic building, that were people who care.

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