Sanctuary

Sanctuary

Welcome to the Voice of America’s News Words.

A church in the American state of Maryland answers calls to help people in need, like Rosa Lopez.

SANCTUARY

Lopez is living in the U. S. illegally.

Immigration officials want to send her back to El Salvador.

She does not want to leave her American born children.

Cedar Lane Church accepted lopez’s request for sanctuary.

She now lives there.

In this example, sanctuary is the protection provided by a safe place.

Sanctuary churches and cities in the U. S. will not share information with immigration officials about people living the country illegally.