SANCTUARY Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Sanctuary?
Historically, the term sanctuary has been used to describe a Christian tradition whereby churches
would shelter people from a variety of unjust situations. However, the Immigration Task force and the
Anti-Racism Commission of the Diocese of NJ, has adopted a more modern and broader definition as
follows:

A sanctuary church is one that is compelled by its faith in Christ Jesus and the Baptismal
Covenant to provide a welcoming safe haven to deliver any of a constellation of
resources to those who are currently experiencing fear, discrimination, and prejudice
resulting from the actions of individuals or unjust laws, policies, or practices.

Why become a sanctuary diocese?

The wider Episcopal Church has repeatedly passed resolutions in support of fair refugee and
immigration policies (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/files/immigration_brochure.pdf). By passing a
resolution in 2017, the Diocese of NJ will covenant that it will be consistent with the Baptismal Covenant
and with biblical mandates such as, not to wrong or oppress a resident alien (Exodus 22:21). This
resolution is a covenant for the Diocese to organize a constellation of support systems for the resident
alien. Although the 2017 resolution urges, it does not require any congregation to become a sanctuary.

Why do we need sanctuary churches?

Many people in our parishes and our communities are experiencing fear and discrimination as a result of
expectant changes in immigration policy and the hostile climate that this has created. Children are afraid
that they will be separated from their parents. Parents fear they may be split from their children. Some
fear that they will be forced to return to their country of origin and experience violence or persecution.
We need sanctuary churches to minister to these needs that our brothers and sisters in Christ are
experiencing.

Why are churches involved in sanctuary?

Ministering to the needs of an "alien" is well founded in Christian tradition. Scripture tells us, You shall
not oppress a resident alien; you know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt
(Exodus 23:9); and When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The
alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself,
for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God (Leviticus 19:33-34). Our Gospels call us
to love our neighbors as ourselves. Importantly, in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus radically
redefined the notion of neighbor. Finally, providing a constellation of sanctuary is consistent with our
Baptismal Covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself.

What are some examples of the constellation of resources?

A sanctuary church is a haven where people can be welcomed and to worship without fear. A sanctuary
church can be a haven where people can experience the healing power of Christ. It can also be a place
where people can collect information on their legal rights. A sanctuary church can be a safe place where
people can assemble for peer support and pastoral care from their local clergy. A sanctuary church can
be a safe haven to organize for advocacy to change laws and for the rights of an individual. In rare
circumstance, a sanctuary church might provide shelter for people while their legal options are being
processed.
Is sheltering people in sanctuary hiding them from the law?
No! Sheltering in sanctuary is never done in secret. The purpose of sanctuary is not to evade law
enforcement. The purpose of sanctuary is to shelter or provide resources to the individual or family
while all legal channels are being pursued. Immigration law is very complex and often subjective. The
issues are rarely black and white. Sheltering in sanctuary allows time for all legal pathways to be
exhausted.

How can we justify offering sanctuary to those whose immigration status is uncertain?
Immigration law is extremely complex and often subjective. The role of the church in offering sanctuary
is to be compassionate not judgmental. Every human being in this country, regardless of immigration
status, has a right to Due Process so that the legal system can make a final determination. Sanctuary
provides a safe refuge and helps protect the rights of the individual and the integrity of the family while
all legal options are pursued.

Should my parish become a sanctuary church?

There are a variety of resources that can be provided by a sanctuary church. Each parish needs to
engage in discernment, dialogue, and prayer over the specific role(s) that it may choose to play. The
discernment needs to be throughout the community and there needs to be consensus.

Additional Information
Bishops Statement Concerning the Presidents Travel Ban.
http://dioceseofnj.org/diocesan-news/2017/01/30/a-statement-concerning-the-presidents-travel-ban/

Where can I find more information?

More information about immigration and sanctuary can be found on the Episcopal Church website
(http://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/document/immigration-and-refugee-policy) and
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/files/immigration_brochure.pdf and at the following websites.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56948ad40e4c11c98e2e1871/t/56cba7574c2f85d6f124b4c9/14
56187224346/New+Sanctuary+Toolkit.pdf

https://auburnseminary.org/4-ways-your-faith-community-can-prepare-for-sanctuary/

http://www.sanctuarynotdeportation.org/resources.html

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Immigration Task Force, the Anti-Racism Commission, and the Hispanic Commission
of the Diocese of NJ February 2017