Pacific School of Religion mourns the passing of Distinguished Alumnx Terry Messman, MDiv ’85, whose lifelong ministry of peace, justice, and solidarity with unhoused communities embodied the values of faith in action that continue to shape a PSR education.
After earning his Master of Divinity from PSR in 1985, Messman dedicated more than four decades to faith-based organizing, nonviolent activism, and advocacy for people experiencing homelessness. Throughout his ministry, he challenged systems of injustice while accompanying communities too often pushed to the margins.
Messman’s work began with the American Friends Service Committee, where he served in its Homeless Program, and expanded through grassroots organizing efforts across the Bay Area. In 1985, he co-founded the Oakland Union of the Homeless, helping organize alongside unhoused residents to advocate for services, dignity, and lasting structural change. He later played a key role in campaigns for affordable housing in San Francisco, working with faith leaders and community organizers to advance housing justice.
In 1995, Messman co-founded Street Spirit, a newspaper dedicated to amplifying the voices of unhoused people and advocating for justice through journalism. As its founding editor, he helped build the publication into a trusted source of reporting on homelessness while creating meaningful employment opportunities for unhoused and formerly unhoused vendors. Through Street Spirit, Messman believed that those most directly affected by poverty and homelessness should have the opportunity to tell their own stories and shape the public conversation.
In recognition of his extraordinary witness, Pacific School of Religion honored Messman as a Distinguished Alumnx in 2015. His nomination described him as someone who “lived out the prophetic witness Jesus calls on Christian religious leaders to exhibit,” adding that his life and ministry “are a true inspiration for church leaders today and for all PSR alumnx”
Reflecting on Terry’s recognition, President Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy shared that meeting him early in his presidency helped him understand “the kind of impact PSR makes through its Alumnx.” Learning about Messman’s ministry and the far-reaching influence of Street Spirit, he said, offered a powerful example of how PSR graduates live out their callings through courageous leadership, compassionate service, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Terry Messman’s life reminds us that ministry takes many forms. Whether organizing alongside unhoused communities, participating in nonviolent direct action, mentoring others, or giving voice to those too often unheard, he demonstrated what it means to live out one’s faith with courage, humility, and hope.
As communities across the Bay Area gather in the coming months to celebrate Terry’s life and continue the work he championed, we join in giving thanks for his extraordinary legacy. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were inspired by his ministry. May his example continue to encourage future generations of PSR students and graduates to pursue justice, compassion, and beloved community.
For those wishing to learn more about Terry Messman’s life and legacy, we encourage reading these remembrances:
- Street Spirit: “Goodbye, Terry“
- Street Spirit: “Celebrating a Life of Activism“
- Berkeleyside: “Remembering Terry Messman, Founding Editor of Street Spirit“