The term “sanctuary” often refers to a sacred place of worship—a temple, church, or synagogue — where heaven and earth meet, and the sacred and profane converse. Even those who don’t regularly attend church may visit a sanctuary in times of deep crisis — after losing a loved one, facing personal struggles, or searching for answers.
In the Christian tradition, sanctuary has also meant refuge — for the spiritually, emotionally, and physically vulnerable. Scripture teaches that a sanctuary is not only a place of worship but a sacred encounter with a God who rescues and saves. As the psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength” (Ps. 46:1).
Sanctuary in the Bible
The idea of sanctuary as refuge appears early in Scripture. Some scholars trace it to God marking Cain for protection (Gen. 4:12-17), while others point to Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery as an example of God as a liberator and refuge for the oppressed (Exod. 12:31-42). In response, Israel was to extend this same refuge to others, establishing “cities of refuge” for those who had unintentionally taken a life (Exod. 21:12-14; Num. 35:6-34).
In the New Testament, Jesus himself experienced divine refuge when an angel warned Joseph and Mary to flee to Egypt to protect him from Herod’s massacre (Matt. 2:13-14). Later, Jesus taught his disciples from personal experience: “I was a stranger and you invited me in,” and “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:35, 40). From Genesis to the Gospels, the call is clear: God’s people are to be a refuge for those in need.
Sanctuary throughout church history
The Early Church knew sanctuary well. Christians, often persecuted as criminals under Roman rule, relied on one another for protection and survival. For over a thousand years in medieval Europe, churches provided shelter to those fleeing violence, persecution, and death. Even those who had broken the law — whether innocent or guilty — could seek refuge within the church.
In the 1980s, the sanctuary movement reemerged in response to human rights violations in Central America, particularly in Guatemala and El Salvador. As the U.S. government denied political asylum to over 97% of refugees from these nations — despite contributing to the instability that forced them to flee — many mainline and Catholic churches refused to stand idly by. Instead, they offered sanctuary, shelter, and advocacy for their immigrant neighbors.
Unlike medieval sanctuary, which sometimes protected violent criminals, this modern movement was about safeguarding those escaping violence, abuse, and certain death. Yet, even today, the practice of sanctuary remains controversial, particularly among evangelicals. The central question is: Should Christians provide aid to nonviolent immigrants who have “broken the law” by crossing a border or overstaying a visa in search of safety?
For the Early Church, the answer was “yes.” Following Jesus often meant breaking the law — not out of moral corruption but moral courage. Christianity itself was considered an illegal sect under Roman rule. To follow Christ was to embrace an “unlawful status.” In
many ways, the early church was undocumented, relying on the community for refuge and protection.
Sanctuary today
Today’s Christians should not be swayed by society’s perception of immigrants but by the Church’s call to be a refuge for the vulnerable — regardless of immigration status. Of course, those who pose a legitimate threat to society should face justice. But history
teaches us that legality and morality are not always aligned. As the saying goes, “The people who hid Anne Frank were breaking the law. The people who killed her were following it.”
Christians must consider the moral dilemmas facing immigrant communities. Do our immigration policies uphold justice and dignity, or do they contradict the teachings of Christ? When laws are just, Christians should advocate for pathways to legal citizenship. But when laws are unjust, the Church must prayerfully discern whether the time has come for moral courage—and the willingness to accept the consequences.
Conclusion
What does it mean for the Church to be a refuge for immigrants? It simply means being true to itself. The Church as sanctuary reminds us that when human lives hang in the balance of unjust scales, the arc of God’s moral universe bends toward justice, and the
scales of Christ’s kingdom lean toward mercy (Matt. 5:7).
Daniel Montañez is a Ph.D. candidate at Boston University School of Theology in the areas of theology, ethics, and philosophy. His dissertation focuses on constructing a Christian social ethic of migration through the lens of undocumented pastors from the Latino Pentecostal tradition. He is the founder of Mygration Christian Conference, and the co-editor of the book The Church and Migration: A Theological Vision for the People of God. Also available in Spanish: La Iglesia y la Migración: Una Visión Teológica Para el Pueblo de Dios. Daniel holds a B.B.A. in Business administration from St. Mary’s University, an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a S.T.M. from Boston University School of Theology.
