Robert Warren DeBaugh

For more than 25 years, Adam served the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) as a lay leader, lobbyist, writer, and editor. From his base in the Metropolitan Community Church, he traveled and preached in more than 100 UFMCC churches throughout the United States.

Together with the Rev. Roy Birchard, he started the UFMCC Washington Field Office in 1975. “Adam was the catalytic person in the formation of the MCC Capitol Hill lobbying office and its successors…(including)… the GRNL (Gay Rights National Lobby), the grandparent of today’s Human Rights Campaign (HRC),” wrote Rev. Birchard in memoriam.

Prior to his involvement in the UFMCC, Adam served as director of the Center for the Study of Power and Peace, an inter-religiously funded international affairs research center in the early 1970s.

He then served as a legislative aide to Rev. Robert W. Edgar, then representing the 7th district of Pennsylvania. Adam served on the board of directors of the Washington Blade, and the Emmaus House of Prayer. He was also a board member of Among Friends, Inc., a nonprofit agency in metropolitan Washington, DC that provide transitional housing for gay and lesbian people in crises.

In 1990, Adam started Chi Rho Press, a small Christian publishing house that focused on gay and lesbian issues. He has written several publications, including Writing to Congress and The Least of These: A Christian Social Action Bible Study on Matthew 25. He also contributed to The Road to Emmaus and Positively Gay.

“Adam DeBaugh epitomized excellence in lay leadership. His commitment to Christian social action and spiritual activism in MCC, his local community, and on the USA national political front positively impacted our entire movement for justice, diversity, and equity,” wrote Rev. Cecilia Eggleston of the MCC.

Later in life, he worked as a health studies project administrator for Westat and as assistant executive director of WUMCO Help, Inc., an emergency assistance center in Poolesville, MD.

Adam was an active member of the United Church of Christ of Seneca Valley (UCCSV) in Germantown, MD since December 2017. “We loved Adam dearly and he contributed so much to the life and ministry of our church. He will be greatly missed,” said John Bartkowiak, chair, UCCSV board of deacons.

Friends, acquaintances, and colleagues knew Adam to have an infectious smile and laugh. He had a quick wit and, often, a wicked sense of humor. He was a creative soul with a penchant for dictating tasks and delegation, yet he was frequently found lending a helping hand with a giving heart. Adam made friends everywhere he went and his passing leaves so many of us with an empty place in our hearts.

Adam was born Robert Warren DeBaugh on June 23, 1947, to Dorothy M. DeBaugh (nee Gregory) and John A. DeBaugh. He grew up in Syosset and Huntington, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in international affairs and English from Macalester College (1969).

Adam DeBaugh is survived by his brother, Arthur James DeBaugh (Michele) of Winston-Salem, NC, and two nephews, a niece, and two great-nephews. Adam is also survived by Patrick O'Boyle, and was preceded in death by Alexi, whom he considered his sons.

A memorial service will be held at the United Church of Christ of Seneca Valley, 13421 Clopper Road, in Germantown, MD on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 3 p.m. All are welcome.