The streets have no name but home

I heard many nuggets of wisdom from the Rev. Lorenza Andrade-Smith during our conversation about her ministry with people living in the streets. For example, the term “homeless” isn’t really accurate.

Andrade-Smith said that a woman in New York City taught her this lesson.“God created the world, remember your home is with God,” the woman told her. “You’re not homeless, you live on the streets.”

For more on Rev. Lorenza Andradre Smith, check out this story from the United Methodist Reporter and this story from UMNS, written last summer.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Human Rights
Immigration Law and Justice Network has released an update on the impact of President Trump’s immigration policies, including an overview of what rights people have in interacting with immigration enforcement. However, the United Methodist ministry acknowledges asserting those rights, including the Fourth Amendment’s protections, now carries a greater risk. Parchment image by Safwan Thottoli, courtesy of Unsplash; map image by OpenClipart-Vectors, courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Know your rights when they’re under threat

United Methodist legal experts have released updated guidance for interacting with federal immigration enforcement, but they also note that asserting constitutional rights now carries more risks.
Immigration
Clergy members lead a demonstration against U.S. immigration-enforcement tactics at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Jan. 23 in St. Paul, Minn. About 100 clergy, including four United Methodists, were arrested. Photo by Jack Jenkins, Religion News Service.

US pastors stand against federal crackdown

United Methodist clergy from across the U.S. joined in an interfaith protest Jan. 23 against federal violence in Minnesota. Now with federal agents responsible for another person’s death, pressure for accountability is mounting.
Human Rights
The Rev. Christopher P. Momany. Photo by Kristen Schell.

In troubling times, look to ‘higher law’

Gilbert Haven, a Methodist pastor, taught that opening ourselves to God and seeing things from a divine point of view enables us to act from cleaner motives — and we must act.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved