Churches have historically offered sanctuary to those evading the law, but today it depends on the church and country. Some churches offer limited protection, but it is not necessarily legal. In the US, ministers who offer asylum can avoid prosecution. Catholics do not necessarily offer sanctuary, and it can be difficult to find an open church. The idea of refuge is often offered to those at risk of deportation, but as soon as they leave the church, any religious laws are void and they can be arrested.
An agitated person runs screaming into a church yelling “Sanctuary!” at the top of their lungs. They are evading the law for unjust or just reasons, and for a long time the ability to reclaim this safe haven was recognized by most countries. Of course, as soon as a person left a church, the safe haven ended and all bets were off.
There are some churches today that may offer protection from certain laws on a limited basis. This depends largely on the church, country, and a variety of other factors. In most cases, a priest, minister or bishop must give asylum to the seeker and this can be denied.
In England, King James I specifically made it illegal to seek sanctuary, but given his status as head of church, Anglican, and state, he was entitled to do so. It is a bit unclear in countries where the separation of church and state is valued. For example, in recent times, some conscientious objectors, such as soldiers who did not want to go to war in Iraq and illegal immigrants who risk deportation, have sought help or hosted by churches and have received it. First United Method Church in Tacoma, Washington sheltered one such officer and made a general offer to others in military service who conscientiously opposed the Iraq War, but it was given on a limited basis for only a few nights.
It’s not necessarily legal to offer shelter and is actually a specific challenge to the law in the United States. There have been recent changes to this law which allow ministers who offer asylum to avoid prosecution. Sometimes, in defiance of the law, a person in violation of the law is given brief refuge in a church and is not arrested. This largely depends on the type of crime committed. A violent offender, if granted safe harbor in a church, is likely to be arrested in a church because of the danger posed to the community.
While seeking a secure place in a church is often associated with Catholicism, Roman Catholics, as of 1983, do not necessarily offer it and may not advocate it. Also, in many churches of many denominations it can be difficult to find an open church since many are closed when not in use to prevent vandalism and theft. Also, Catholics didn’t invent the shrine, as many might think due to Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Even much older religions may have offered people short stays in temples or places of worship. It’s an older idea than Christianity, but as with modern times, it may not always be honored. Very often today you will find the idea of refuge offered to people who risk being deported.
This was the case of Elvira Arellano, who in 2006 sought refuge in a Methodist church in the United States. She was deported in July 2007, leaving behind her seven-year-old son who, having been born in the United States, is a US citizen. There are sadly many instances where US immigration laws have led to situations where parents have been deported while children remain behind, which is why some churches have taken a hard line in offering temporary housing to parents. As soon as they leave the church, however, any religious laws a state might abide by, however informal, are void and people can be quickly arrested.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
