Introducing:
The Reverend McKinley Sims, Minister
He discovered and "fell in love" with Unitarian Universalism following an internship in seminary at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, just down the road. At USG, Reverend Sims focused on social justice ministry as an outlet for his desire to be of service and a place for his own work in rebuilding a progressive theology that centered racial justice, reconciliation, and restoration. Following his internship at USG, Reverend Sims served as an intern at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax in |
Oakton, Virginia. He then served as a psychiatric chaplain resident at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC. He says of his work, "My ministry there with the individuals in care opened my heart to hear that God of many names "speak", calling me and us forward to love and care for others as we care for ourselves, to honor the image of God in every single being in the universe, even those with whom we don't want to get too close. This is the heart of the gospel I follow, and the heart of the Unitarian Universalist covenant I live into; to uphold the Seven Principles and make the world a little bit better, one step at a time. That's a call I can show up for and answer in good faith..."
As a student of Brene Brown, Resmaa Menakem, Robert Renix, and Paul Tillich, Reverend Sims brings a commitment to spiritual growth, community health, and grounding ritual to Mt. Airy, focusing on conflict management, authentic storytelling, and experiential worship.
Rev. Sims lives in East Mt. Airy with his partner, KP. He can be seen running up and down Gorgas Ln, biking through the neighborhood, and working to make a difference in our city. He encourages everyone to find a spiritual home, even if it’s not with UU Mt. Airy, and he would love to chat with you about where you might find a good “fit”. Please reach out to him via |
And the Latest News: Rev. McKinley
is FINALLY our Settled Minister!!!
![]() |
![]() |
Pictured on the left is Reverend McKinley kneeling for the Reverend Seth Carrier Ladd to lead the traditional "Laying on of Hands". On the right, is the Reverend Abbey Tennis offering the "Right Hand of Fellowship".