The Latina women in Texas reshaping the UMC

(RNS) — The Rev. Rosedanny Ortiz, a Puerto Rican pastor now based in Texas, felt alone and uncertain about her future in ministry after her United Methodist church closed due to COVID-19 complications and she suffered a stint of mental health crises.

“I had so many mixed feelings, and all this personal struggle,” she said.

Yet her commission this summer within the United Methodist Church — a public affirmation of an individual’s divine calling to ministry — represented a turning point.

“This commission was extremely special for me because it was God reassuring me that this was what I was called for,” she said. “All my experience, I can channel it into that ministry.”

She now serves as lead pastor of Agape Memorial in Dallas, a step up from her former associate pastor role and a pathway to ordination in 2028.

Ortiz is one of a handful of Latina United Methodist Church leaders in Texas who are emerging with fresh models for ministry by meeting the demands of Texas’ changing demographic landscape following years of schism, decline and uncertainty within the denomination.

For many, their leadership is vital to the survival and flourishing of United Methodist…