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Called to ministry, Latina leaders are reshaping the United Methodist Church in Texas
By Texas Tribune, By Ellie Ashby, Texas Tribune, And Chloe Landen, Religion News Se at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 15, 2026
· 10 min read
The Rev. Rosedanny Ortiz, a Puerto Rican pastor now based in Texas, felt alone and uncertain about her future in the ministry after her United Methodist church closed due to COVID-19 complications and she suffered mental health crises.“I had so many mixed feelings, and all this personal struggle,...
Key takeaway Rosedanny Ortiz, a Puerto Rican pastor now based in Texas, felt alone and uncertain about her future in the ministry after her United Methodist church closed due to COVID-19 complications and she suffered mental health crises.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The emergence of Latina leaders like Rev. Rosedanny Ortiz in the United Methodist Church has significant implications for San Antonio , a city with a large and growing Hispanic population. As the church seeks to revitalize its presence in Texas, the leadership of women like Ortiz can help bridge cultural and linguistic divides, making the church more relevant to the community. San Antonio's own United Methodist congregations may benefit from the fresh models of ministry being developed by these leaders, who are well-positioned to meet the needs of the city's diverse population. The church's ability to adapt to changing demographics will be crucial to its survival and growth in San Antonio, where Spanish-speaking populations are increasingly seeking spiritual guidance and community. By embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity, the United Methodist Church can strengthen its roots in the city and provide a welcoming space for all members of the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 10 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Rev. Rosedanny Ortiz, a Puerto Rican pastor now based in Texas, felt alone and uncertain about her future in the ministry after her United Methodist church closed due to COVID-19 complications and she suffered mental health crises.“I had so many mixed feelings, and all this personal struggle,...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, By Ellie Ashby, Texas Tribune, And Chloe Landen, Religion News Se at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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