Episode Details

What happens when following your conscience means breaking the law? And what does it look like when faith moves beyond belief and becomes an act of resistance?

In this episode of The Deconstructionists, we're joined by historian and author Dr. Lloyd Barba to explore the remarkable history of the Sanctuary Movement and his book, Sanctuary in America: How Activists Defied the Government and Defended Immigrants—And Why It Still Matters.

During the 1980s, as refugees fled violence, persecution, and civil wars in Central America, churches and faith communities across the United States began opening their doors to people seeking safety. In defiance of federal immigration policies, religious leaders and everyday Americans risked arrest, prosecution, and their own security to offer sanctuary to vulnerable families.

But the Sanctuary Movement was about much more than immigration. It raised profound questions about the relationship between religion and government, the meaning of justice, and whether following the teachings of Jesus sometimes requires challenging the very institutions that claim to represent Christian values.

In Part 1 of our conversation, we explore the historical roots of sanctuary, the political and religious forces that shaped the movement, and the extraordinary individuals who believed their moral obligations transcended national borders.

Along the way, we wrestle with questions that remain just as relevant today: What does it mean to truly love our neighbors? Where should people of faith draw the line between obedience and resistance? And what can history teach us about the responsibilities we have toward those seeking refuge?

It's a fascinating conversation about faith, courage, compassion, and the power of ordinary people to challenge extraordinary injustice.

About Our Guest

Dr. Lloyd Barba is a historian whose research explores American religion, immigration, and the relationship between faith and social movements. His book, Sanctuary in America: How Activists Defied the Government and Defended Immigrants—And Why It Still Matters, examines the history and enduring significance of the Sanctuary Movement.

Find the book: Sanctuary in America — Book Search

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Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue our conversation with Dr. Barba and explore the