What defines the Sanctuary Movement?

Definition and Historical Context

The term “Sanctuary Movement” generally refers to the practice of offering safe haven or asylum to those in need of protection or justice. While it sometimes describes specific political or social efforts, its deeper roots trace back to longstanding biblical principles. Throughout history, communities of faith have provided literal sanctuaries—places of refuge—for vulnerable individuals, grounding such practices in biblical teachings about mercy, justice, and the holiness of sacred space.

Although the most notable modern-wave “Sanctuary Movement” gained momentum in the late 20th century to protect refugees fleeing violence, the core idea rests on a much older scriptural precedent that honors the sacredness of place and the community’s responsibility to uphold righteousness and compassion.

Biblical Foundations

Scripture consistently emphasizes that a sanctuary is a place where God’s presence dwells and where protection and worship converge. In Exodus 25:8, God instructs Moses, “Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.” This command underscores the concept of a holy dwelling for God, which also becomes a refuge for His people. The tabernacle and subsequent temple exemplify this principle, typifying a designated place of encounter with the Divine where justice, forgiveness, and protection coincide.

The institution of “cities of refuge” (Numbers 35; Deuteronomy 19; Joshua 20) further cements the sanctuary principle. These cities offered asylum to individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter, safeguarding them from vengeance until due process could be administered (Numbers 35:12). The underlying biblical premise is that God values both justice and mercy, and He designs sanctuaries to reflect His character.

Examples from Scripture

1. Tabernacle and Temple

The tabernacle constructed in the wilderness was a mobile sanctuary that foreshadowed the future temple. In 1 Kings 8:10–11, when Solomon dedicated the temple, “the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD,” indicating a profound manifestation of His presence. This holy space was intended as a beacon of God’s closeness and a shelter for those who sought Him.

2. Cities of Refuge

Six cities in ancient Israel were designated as places of refuge (Numbers 35:9–15). Anyone fleeing from an avenger of blood could cross into such a city for protection. Although these instructions addressed specific legal matters of the time, they highlight God’s unwavering standard of justice balanced by compassion.

3. Altar Sanctuary

Exodus 21:14 details that the altar could also function as a place of sanctuary, though with certain limits regarding premeditated murder. Such passages reveal a broader principle that spaces associated with God’s presence are intrinsically linked to justice, moral accountability, and mercy.

Modern Expressions of the Sanctuary Movement

In more recent history, congregations have offered their facilities and communal support to individuals endangered by injustice—an echo of ancient biblical values. While the scriptural concept of sanctuary did not need official laws or declarations to be operative, modern believers have often felt compelled to act when legal or political systems appeared to fail certain vulnerable groups.

Notably, in the late 20th century, some churches in various parts of the world declared themselves sanctuaries for refugees, reflecting the biblical heritage of offering shelter to the stranger and the persecuted (cf. Matthew 25:35: “…I was a stranger and you welcomed Me…”). This modern enactment, though differing in method and context from the ancient model, still resonates with the original divine call to safeguard those fleeing harm.

Theological Implications

The Sanctuary Movement brings together principles of both orthodoxy (correct belief) and orthopraxy (correct practice). The holiness ascribed to God’s dwelling place reminds believers that sanctuary is not just about physical space but about moral responsibility. It culminates in the broader calling to reflect God’s nature—merciful, just, and protective of human life.

• Mercy and Justice: Biblical sanctuaries always balanced justice with mercy. When a person sought refuge, there was still an investigation to ensure guilt or innocence was properly determined. Modern sanctuaries likewise navigate legal frameworks while upholding the call to compassion.

• Holiness and Community: A sanctuary is a consecrated space. Those who enter do so under divine authority. The biblical pattern insists that the community surrounding that space also acts in accordance with God’s standards—promoting justice, truth, and mercy.

• Faith and Action: Offering sanctuary is an active exercise of faith. It is not solely a philosophical or theological statement but a tangible, sometimes sacrificial response to human need.

Archaeological and Historical Support

Archaeological investigations in the ancient Near East have unearthed evidence of constructed sacred sites throughout Israel’s history. Excavations at locations thought to be Levitical cities (mentioned in Numbers 35) reveal centralized settlements that may have functioned as safe havens. While the term “city of refuge” is distinctly biblical, the concept aligns with ancient societal customs where designated zones held special legal or religious status.

In addition, the broader historical record, including inscriptions and temple ruins, affirms the deep cultural influence of worship spaces in ancient communities. These discoveries support the authenticity of biblical narratives that portray a society structured around sacred precincts functioning as both worship centers and safe shelters.

Conclusion

The Sanctuary Movement is, at its core, an outworking of biblical prescriptions regarding a holy space that offers protection, grounded in God’s call for justice and mercy. From the tabernacle of Moses and the temple of Solomon to modern congregations providing refuge, the consistent thread is the conviction that the sacred presence of God aligns with defending the vulnerable. Scripture firmly establishes the precedence for sanctuary, teaching that those who seek protection in the name of the Lord are to experience the compassion and righteousness reflective of His character.

Whether viewed through the lens of history, theology, legal precedent, or archaeological findings, the Sanctuary Movement resonates across eras. It stands as a living expression of faith—rooted in scriptural authority and demonstrated through action—to care for those in desperate need of safety and hope.