If you’ve been hanging around the intersections of social justice, queer theology, or even the messy world of denominational politics lately, you’ve probably heard the name Alexandre da Silva Souto. Or maybe you just know them as Rev. Alex.
Honestly, it’s a name that carries a lot of weight for people who felt sidelined by traditional religious institutions. You don't just "stumble" into the work they do. You seek it out because you're looking for something that feels more human and a lot less like a corporate handbook.
Souto isn’t your typical buttoned-up minister. They’re a Brazilian-born, queer, "undomesticated" liturgical artist and activist who has spent the better part of a decade shaking up the status quo. Whether it was fighting for LGBTQIA+ dignity within the United Methodist Church or leading Unitarian Universalist congregations in California and Philadelphia, their footprint is everywhere.
The Break from the United Methodist Church
For a long time, the United Methodist Church (UMC) was the primary stage for Souto’s activism. They weren't just a passive member; they were a co-convener of the United Methodist Queer Clergy Caucus. Imagine being in that position—constantly pushing against a Book of Discipline that literally barred you from being your full self.
It was exhausting. Souto was one of the masterminds behind the Simple Plan.
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The idea was straightforward: remove all the restrictive language regarding homosexuality from the church's laws. It was a grassroots push to let local churches just... exist without being mandated to exclude people. But as many who follow religious news know, the 2019 General Conference didn't exactly go the way progressives hoped.
"For a long time you have made me an abstraction, but now you can see: I am real flesh and blood."
That’s a quote from Souto that really sticks. It highlights the dehumanization that often happens in high-level policy debates. When the UMC didn't shift fast enough, Souto helped launch the Liberation Methodist Connexion (LMX) in 2020. This was supposed to be a "POC and Q+T-centered" alternative—a space where people didn't have to argue for their right to exist.
From the Pulpit to the Streets
By 2021, a big shift happened. Alexandre da Silva Souto moved toward Unitarian Universalism. If you've ever felt like you've outgrown a space that refuses to grow with you, you’ll relate to this. They took over as the minister of the Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists in Auburn, California, and later became a prominent voice at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia.
But it’s not all about Sunday morning services.
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Just this past year, in early 2025, you could find Souto at the "People’s March" in Philadelphia. They were out there speaking against the erosion of civil liberties and threats to democracy. They don't just talk about "love in action" as a vague concept; they basically treat the street as their second sanctuary.
It’s interesting to see how their Brazilian roots influence this. There’s a specific kind of "liberation theology" vibe to their work—the idea that faith is useless if it isn't actively making life better for the marginalized.
Why People Actually Search for Him
Most people aren't looking for a dry CV when they search for Alexandre da Silva Souto. They're looking for a roadmap.
- Navigating Religious Trauma: People who have been hurt by conservative religious upbringing look to Souto as a "wounded leader" who made it to the other side.
- Liturgical Art: They are known for "yogactivism" and using movement and art to express spirituality. It's not just hymns and pews.
- Pluralism: In a world that feels increasingly polarized, Souto’s 2026 talks on "Pluralism as an Antidote to ChristoFascism" (yes, they use strong language) offer a specific intellectual framework for how to live together without erasing differences.
The Reality Check
It’s not all sunshine and perfect progress. Critics have pointed out that new movements like the LMX struggled to gain the same massive footprint as established denominations. Some see Souto's move to Unitarian Universalism as a natural evolution, while others see it as a sign of how hard it is to reform old institutions from the inside.
Honestly, Souto seems okay with the friction. They’ve described themselves as a person of the "in-between space." When you live in the "in-between," you’re used to people not quite knowing where to put you.
How to Engage with Their Work
If you’re interested in what Alexandre da Silva Souto is doing right now, don't look for a dusty book. Look for their Substack or their Spotify playlists. They use modern tools to do ancient work: building community.
Actionable Insights for the Curious:
- Audit Your Community: If you're in a space that makes you feel like an "abstraction," look at the "Simple Plan" philosophy. How can you remove barriers rather than adding them?
- Practice Mutual Vulnerability: Souto’s ministry is built on the idea that connecting through our wounds is more powerful than connecting through our perfections.
- Support Grassroots Movements: Whether it's LMX or local justice caucuses, the work happens in the margins.
The story of Alexandre da Silva Souto is still being written, especially as they continue to lead in Philadelphia and Chico. It's a reminder that "minister" is a verb, not just a title. It’s about who you’re standing with when the cameras aren't rolling and the protest signs are being folded up.