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Building
on a Powerful Tradition
In the early 1980's, thousands of Central American refugeespoured
into the United States, fleeing life-threatening repression and
extensive human rights violations by their governments.
At the time, federal immigration policy would have denied
the majority political asylum simply because their governments
were allies of the U.S. Many of these refugees had actively participated
in the liberation theology movement and naturally sought protection
from congregations.
Many Catholic, Protestant and Jewish congregations and temples
responded positively -- offering these refugees social services
and advocacy support as well as engaging actively in efforts to
change federal immigration policy. These congregations, united
under the banner of the Sanctuary Movement, also pledged that
they would not reveal the identities of these refugees, even if
they were arrested or jailed for doing so.
The Sanctuary Movement was ultimately successful both in changing
national policy and in protecting tens of thousands of individuals
and families, enabling them to start a new life in the U.S.
Now, over 25 years later, religious leaders across a broad spectrum
of denominations from 10 states are coming together to begin a
New Sanctuary Movement to accompany and protect immigrant families
who are facing the violation of their human rights in the form
of hatred, workplace discrimination and unjust deportation. We
welcome religious leaders, congregations and faith-based organizations
of all denominations to join us in this effort.
LINKS
See
The Convening, Washington D.C.
See
Overview, Goals and Structure of the New Sanctuary Movement
See
About the Coordinating Organizations
See
Prophetic Hospitality: Strategies for A New Movement
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