Cities of Sanctuary, Religion, and Justice

Helen M. Hintjens examines initiatives to provide sanctuary to undocumented peoples. She notes that these initiatives are frequently local and grassroots, often led by faith-based groups, in opposition to centralised governmental policies. Positive examples are available globally. In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Islamic nations, organisations have provided practical and moral support for illegal refugees, offering a politics of hope. However, there is also a warning for those who wish to help. Such efforts can become counterproductive if they do not allow for the self-organisation and self-reliance of refugees themselves (the example from the Netherlands shows). Furthermore, attempts at support can entail serious risks for the supporters and the refugees. Sanctuary cities raise a host of ethical and practical dilemmas for faith-based communities.