Old South Church Presents Open Door Award to Rev. Orth

The Boston church honored the minister for his long-standing commitment to inclusive love and ministry.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Awards

Screen-print poster illustration of heavy, wide-open oak church doors, symbolizing an inclusive and welcoming environment. — Old South Church in Boston honored Rev. Ken Orth with its Open Door Award, recognizing his decades of service and ministry to marginalized communities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Old South Church in Boston recently presented Rev. Ken Orth with the Open Door Award. The honor recognizes his dedication to fostering inclusive spaces for marginalized communities.

Why it matters

The award celebrates the minister's decades of service and his efforts to promote inclusive love. His ministry work has focused on providing a welcoming environment for those who feel marginalized.

The Open Door Award was established in 2014 to recognize individuals who create inclusive spaces for marginalized groups. Rev. Orth led the Healing Worship ministry at Old South Church from 1993 until 2026.

The players

Rev. Ken Orth

He is an ordained minister who has served the Boston community through pastoral counseling and inclusive worship leadership.

Old South Church

Located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, this historic congregation is known for its social justice initiatives and inclusive ministries.

George Paoluicci

He is the spouse of Rev. Ken Orth and married him at Old South Church in 2004.

The details

Rev. Orth received the honor during Festival Worship at the historic Boston church. The Healing Worship ministry he led grew from its origins as an HIV/AIDS prayer group for members that started in 1989.

Rev. Ken Orth was ordained in 1976.
The Healing Worship ministry began in 1989.
Rev. Ken Orth married George Paoluicci at the church in 2004.
Rev. Ken Orth received the Open Door Award on October 25, 2026.

Culture Shift

The Open Door Award criteria for inclusive spaces reflects a growing movement within progressive religious institutions to formalize recognition for social advocacy. This honor follows the precedent set by the church in 2014 to celebrate leadership that prioritizes marginalized populations.

Residents in the Back Bay area may note the church's ongoing commitment to hosting community-focused events and inclusive worship services. The recognition highlights the availability of these support-based ministries to the wider Boston public.

The takeaway

Recognizing long-term commitment to community service highlights the lasting impact of individual ministry on a congregation. Such awards serve as a milestone for both the recipient and the broader organization to reflect on decades of collective progress.