Michael DeSantis (they/them) is a nonbinary minister in preliminary fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Michael currently serves as Ministerial Resident at the First Unitarian Society of Denver and will be ordained in April of this year.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Michael hails from a large extended family of progressive “fallen away” Irish Catholics. From a young age, Michael’s family instilled in them a passion for social justice and community building. After graduating from college, Michael worked as a mentor to Indigenous teens and a public policy advocate for houseless youth. During that period, Michael found their way to Unitarian Universalist at First Unitarian Church of Portland, Oregon, where they were inspired by Rev. Bill Sinkford’s ministry and the way it combined powerful prophetic witness with deep spiritual grounding.
Michael completed their Master of Divinity studies at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. While at Union, Michael studied with Dr. Cornel West, got into some good trouble, and worked at various points as a chaplain for hospital patients, nursing home residents, and college students.
Michael completed their ministry internship at Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, Colorado, under the supervision of Rev. Wendy Williams and, during Rev. Wendy’s sabbatical, Rev. Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry.
Michael seeks to make good on the promises of Unitarian Universalism by nurturing communities that are radically committed to collective care and justice making. Michael is especially passionate about pastoral care, faith-based activism, anti-oppression work, and creating opportunities for congregants to deepen their spiritual lives.
Michael lives in Denver with their partner Pearl (she/they), a fellow Union alum and minister-in-formation in the United Church of Christ.
