Inside a Berkeley church, a small room waits to give sanctuary

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During a time of uncertainty, some places of worship offer safety to undocumented immigrants.

The apartment inside Berkeley’s University Lutheran Chapel.

Photo Credit: Tom Levy.

Pastor Jeff Johnson sits inside the apartment set aside for sanctuary seekers at University Lutheran Chapel in Berkeley.

Photo Credit: Tom Levy

Cheat sheet for immigrants should they be approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Photo Credit: Tom Levy

By Judy Silber

JUNE 19, 2017—If you had to hole up somewhere for months, or even years, what would you need? University Lutheran Chapel in Berkeley began preparing a room last summer for an undocumented individual or couple who face final deportation orders and wanted to take sanctuary within its walls. The Spiritual Edge’s Judy Silber spoke with Rev. Jeff Johnson and asked him to describe the space.

“We know that churches, schools, hospitals have been regarded as sensitive locations. We’re not sure if that is going to change or that is going to continue to be respected by the government.”

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The Spiritual Edge is a project of KALW Public Radio. Funding comes from the Templeton Religion Trust.