Santee United Methodist Church
The Light of Pride Award from San Diego Pride and St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral honors and recognizes community and religious organizations and Faith Leaders that serve as a role model for affirmation and service to the San Diego LGBTQ Faith Community and strive to make the San Diego LGBTQ world a better place. The organization / person chosen will have demonstrated a commitment and passion to helping the LGBT Community.
Santee United Methodist Church
Santee United Methodist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jaime Pangman, has become a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility in East County and across San Diego. Guided by the values of belonging, becoming, and being, the church affirms people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, abilities, and backgrounds through both faith and action. As part of the Reconciling Ministries Network, the congregation is committed to justice, solidarity, and creating spaces where marginalized communities are welcomed and celebrated. In 2023, the church founded the first-ever Santee Pride March, transforming its commitment to inclusion into visible community action. Since then, it has continued organizing the annual march each May, creating a meaningful and affirming space for LGBTQ+ people and allies in Santee. Through its leadership and advocacy, Santee United Methodist Church demonstrates how faith communities can actively support equity, dignity, and belonging for all.
The 2026 Light of Pride Award will be presented on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, at Light up the Cathedral, an Interfaith Pride Celebration.