A small but growing coalition of houses of worship in the United States is challenging immigration laws by offering sanctuary to illegal immigrants.

Known as the New Sanctuary Movement, the churches, synagogues and other places of worship are risking legal trouble because members say they believe the current system mistreats immigrants and breaks families apart, USA Today reports.

Their action draws on the tradition of sanctuary in which churches declare themselves safe havens for those fleeing violence or prosecution.

In an article Monday, the newspaper says congregations from New York to San Diego have begun to view supporting illegal immigrants as both a moral and religious duty.

Churches in Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Chicago and New York are already helping and housing immigrants says Alexia Salvatierra, a Lutheran pastor and one of the national coordinators of the movement.

Their efforts are drawing criticism from groups promoting limits on immigration. // Copyright 2007 by United Press International


Publication date: 09 July 2007   

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