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.