Meet Michael DeSantis, Ministerial Resident
Michael DeSantis (they/them) is delighted to be joining First Unitarian as our Ministerial Resident for the 2025-26 church year.
Michael is a Candidate for Unitarian Universalist Ministry who comes to First Unitarian after completing their ministry internship at Jefferson Unitarian Church in nearby Golden, CO. As part of their role with us, Michael will be covering most of Rev. Mike’s duties during his upcoming sabbatical.
Michael proudly hails from Pittsburgh and 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 as a chaplain for hospital patients, nursing home residents, and college students.
Michael lives in Cheesman Park with their partner Pearl, fellow Union alum and minister in formation in the United Church of Christ.