Amid detentions and deportation, sanctuary movement persists
Three Indonesian Christians moved into their church in New Jersey—one of more than 30 congregations sheltering people facing deportation.
Asylum seeker Harry Pangemanan, right, plays guitar during the Indonesian service at the Reformed Church of Highland Park, New Jersey, on January 28, 2018. RNS photo by Chris Sagona.
Congregations in the sanctuary movement continue to offer people refuge in their buildings, as others protest detention and deportation of their members and the breaking apart of families.
Two members of Judson Memorial Church in New York City who have been leaders in the New Sanctuary Coalition of NYC were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in January, and one of them was deported days later.
“Our immigrant rights leaders are being targeted because they refuse to be silenced,” said Kaji Douša, pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church and coalition cochair.
