A new book authored by former Deputy Chief Immigration Judge Geoffrey Care outlining the role of the church in providing sanctuary in the past and showing the link and approach to asylum in the present time.
This new book by former Deputy Chief Immigration Judge Geoffrey Care outlines the role of the church in Sanctuary throughout the ages and posits the effects of that role in its relationship to asylum in present times. The book illustrates how the church has in the past and does to this day step in to maintain a compassionate approach to asylum when governments sacrifice it to political expediency. It also shows the relationship between sanctuary and asylum as the obverse and reverse sides of the same coin. The operation of the privilege of sanctuary is illustrated by a series of tales drawn from the records of early Persian Kings, the Bible, Greece, Rome under Constantine and England between the 12th and 16th centuries and covering a cross-section of people, their occupations and stations in life. It examines the role of the church in the present day in asylum claims and illustrates the continuing importance of sanctuary, encouraging today’s lawmakers a re-think of modern-day asylum policies. The main church of sanctuary featured in the tales is Beverley Minister in Yorkshire which, due to its popularity, drew sanctuary seekers from all parts of the country.
The Reverend Lucy Winkett: “The evolving idea of sanctuary is a story for our time and in this lively and compelling account the challenge is clear. Learn the lessons of the centuries: find ways to be merciful, compassionate and welcoming, and before pronouncing on policy, listen hard to the people, whose lives speak volumes about what it is to be a refugee.”
The book launch will take place at St. James’ Church, Piccadilly, London on Monday 24 April at 12 to 1.30pm.