WATCH: 'Unity in this country is possible,' says Episcopal bishop during prayer service

The Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., reflected Tuesday on the current American political climate and the need for "true unity."

"It goes without saying that, in a democracy, not everyone's particular hopes and dreams can be realized in a given legislative session or a presidential term, not even in a generation," Budde said during remarks at an interfaith prayer service at Washington National Cathedral with the president, Vice President JD Vance and their spouses in attendance. "But for some, the loss of their hopes and dreams will be far more than political defeat, but, instead, a loss of equality and dignity and their livelihoods."

Given this, she asked, if "true unity among us" was possible and why we as a nation should care about achieving it.

"I hope we care because the culture of contempt that has become normalized in this country threatens to destroy us," Budde said. Pointing to what sociologists call the "outrage industrial complex," which she says is fueled by a divided America. "Contempt fuels political campaigns and social media and many profit from that. But it's a worrisome— it's a dangerous way to lead a country."

She said that, with God's help, unity is possible. While it won't be perfect, "for we are imperfect people and and imperfect union," it will be "sufficient enough to keep us all believing in and working to realize the ideals of the United States of America," Budde said.Watch PBS News for daily, breaking and live news, plus special coverage. We are home to PBS News Hour, ranked the most credible and objective TV news show.

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