Historical parallels Sanctuary movement

the church place of refuge

the sanctuary movement traced roots ancient judaic tradition of sanctuary. movement member mary ann lundy phrased it, “the idea comes original judeo-christian concept of sanctuary, persons fleeing law go places of worship , protected.” in old testament, god commanded moses set aside cities , places of refuge in canaan persecuted seek asylum. concept can found in ancient roman law, medieval canon law , british common law. movement members appealed u.s. history, including abolitionist movement , underground railroad of nineteenth century, housing of jews during world war ii, idea of u.s. safe haven immigrants , civil rights struggles of 1960s. sanctuary congregations, provided justification acting against federal laws, , many members saw part of larger transnational community. corbett wrote in 1983:

because refugees here, new exodus has begun. enforced exiles being joined north american religious people voluntarily exiling civil law without justice. undocumented refugees , outlawed christians , jews forming new exodus community takes god acts in history. public sanctuary act refuses leave foreign policy ambassadors , generals , compassion limits of law. new exodus community beginning live love demands justice , acts power , authority love carries. authority rooted deep in judeo-christian tradition , history itself.