The Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church...
Illustration
The Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City made national news not long ago when its minister and church board gave permission for homeless people to sleep on the sidewalk outside its building. The surrounding community didn't appreciate having to step over people on their way to work, so they complained to the city and the city cleared away the homeless. But the church would not give up, despite the pressures and threats from their neighbors. The church put its arms around the homeless like a hen gathers its chicks and allowed the homeless to stay on their steps, arguing that it was their property and they could use it as they saw fit. Even though the city did not want to let it, the church chose to show love for the city of New York and its most needy denizens.
