LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

At PUC, we seek to embrace and fully-include those who have traditionally and historically been marginalized. This commitment to equity means that we include our LGBTQIA+ siblings in the full life and ministry of our church. We also celebrate racial, ethnic, generational, theological, and spiritual diversity. We have been a UMC Reconciling Congregation since 1992, a DOC Open and Affirming Church since 2011, and are listed on gaychurch.org.

Social Justice

Local mission and relationship is central to our stewardship and how we imagine what it means to be the church. This is lived out through building an affordable housing complex on our church property, running a free fridge and pantry, hosting emergency warming shelters during the winter, and deep, ongoing partnerships with organizations such as Community of Hope and Do Good Multnomah.

Theological Diversity

The “Union” in our name comes from the fact that we are one church belonging to two Christian denominations: Disciples of Christ (DOC) and United Methodist Church (UMC). Because of this unique identity, we are a group of people coming from varying walks of faith, united by our desire to be in community with each other and serve our neighborhood together. Wherever you fall on the faith spectrum, we invite you to find a spiritual home at PUC.

Rev. Ari Douglas

Pastor | they/them

Ari went to University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (a small liberal arts college, AKA hippy school in southern Oklahoma) where they double majored in Political Science and History, where they were, and continue to be involved in political movements with a focus on and fighting for rights of low income and LGBTQIA+ folx. They felt a strong spiritual tug (or frying pan to the head) to go into ministry following their senior year of college. They attended Phillips Theological Seminary (in Tulsa, Oklahoma) for their M.Div, training in both traditional and innovative ministries. Leaving the Church of the Brethren (and a highly respected leadership position) due to the COB reaffirming an exclusive rather than inclusive perspective towards Christian relationships; they joined the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2011, being ordained in 2015, in Missoula, Montana. Having a strong leaning towards both traditional and innovative ministries they have been involved in church planting efforts in various states, along with other unique ways of doing ministry in traditional settings in Montana, Washington, Missouri, Wisconsin, and now Portland.

Ari feels a dual call to pastoral care and public theology. They eagerly enjoy board games, beer, and long conversations with congregants…or anyone whose ear they can bend long enough as well as being with people in their hardest times and most wonderful moments. Simultaneously, they tell stories of having attended protests since they were in a stroller, and even in elementary school tried to start a protest to slide on ice (maybe not one of their finest moments). They successfully organized an Amnesty International Chapter in their High School as well as protests against the war in Iraq but in support of troops. As an older young adult they attended Standing Rock, and have been active in health care protests, and prior to moving to Portland was the Faith tri-chair for the Wisconsin Poor People’s Campaign and has spoken to Congress in defense of the poor. Presently they are in the writing phase of their Doctor of Ministry program (also at Phillips) focusing on improvisational ministry; in particular teaching clergy and laity how to be public theologians (activists).

Ari is presently engaged (wedding to happen in later 2024) to Lauren Moriva, a Wisconsin native with ties to the North West. Lauren works in healthcare and has two cats, Marty and Mae. Additionally, Ari has an eleven year old son (Roland) who lives with his mother in Astoria. Roland enjoys monsters, hammocks, and swimming. In addition to keeping up with their son, Ari enjoys brewing (mead), books (all sorts), and medieval re-creation (all the fun stuff, none of the plagues).

Contact Rev. Ari:
918-894-1293 (call or text)
pastor+ari@portsmouthunionchurch.org