This past August, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which represents nearly 3.5 million Christians, voted to become the country's first "sanctuary church body." On this episode, we discuss the events that lead to the ELCA becoming a "sanctuary church," and what this move means for member congregations.

Special Guests: Anna Czarnik-Neimeyer, Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee, Pastor Joanne Engquist, and Rev. Priscilla Austin.

This episode starts with an exciting update on Jose Robles and his upcoming bond hearing. Then, we sit down for a round table discussion with a new guest to the podcast, Michael. Our conversation leads to a discussion on nuanced conversation and powerful stories from Kari and Joanne.

To learn more about how you can help Jose, visit www.SanctuaryDowntownSeattle.com.

Special Guests: Pastor Joanne Engquist and Pastor Kari Lipke.

On July 17th, 2019, after more than a year in sanctuary, and With a possible form of relief, a stay and an appeal pending in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Jose decided it was time to leave Gethsemane Lutheran Church and go to the ice office in Tukwila to file a stay of removal. Unfortunately, ICE decided to detain Jose.

Learn more about how you can help at www.SanctuaryDowntownSeattle.com.

Special Guest: Pastor Joanne Engquist.

Chach Duarte White is a Staff Attorney at Legal Counsel for Youth and Children. Esperanza Barboa is the Program Director for Eastside Legal Assistance Program. Esperanza and Chach work alongside eachother helping immigrants develop a plan of action for their children in the event that a parent is detained.

Special Guests: Chach Duarte White and Esperanza Borboa.

On March 29th, 2019, Jaime Rubio Sulficio was received into sanctuary – this time at St Mark's Cathedral in Seattle. We'll take a quick look behind the scenes at Jaime's press conference. Then, we sit down for a conversation and update with Jose's oldest daughters, Brenda and Yuritzy.

On this week's episode we start by discussing our hopes and motivation behind the podcast. Then, we have an enlightening conversation with Aneelah Afzali, the executive director of the American Muslim Empowerment Network.

Special Guest: Aneelah Afzali.

This week, we talk with an immigration attorney and an immigration counselor to try and break down some of the common misunderstandings surrounding immigrants. But first, we look at what it takes to get a haircut in Sanctuary.

Special Guests: Johna Gray and Nandini Rao.

On this episode we talk with Briana Brannan from The Church Council of Great Seattle, and volunteers/advocates Chris and Betsy. Topics include what underlying issues contribute to the current immigaration crisis, and Chris and Betsy's experiences hosting asylum seekers.

Special Guest: Briana Brannan.

Jose Robles shares about his sanctuary experience so far, why he's afraid to return to Mexico, and what possibilities remain for him to gain legal citizenship. Plus, Gethsemane Pastors Joanne and Kari share about what it's been like accompanying a family whos father is under a deportation order.

Special Guests: Jose Robles, Michael Ramos, Pastor Joanne Engquist, and Pastor Kari Lipke.

On this introductory episode, we meet some of the critical voices we’ll continue to hear from on this podcast about Jose Robles. Plus, we get a little background on the overall concept of Sanctuary and why a church would be willing to put themselves at risk to help someone they don’t yet know.

This Episode Features

Sanctuary in Downtown Seattle is hosted by Jonathan McClung from Seekers. Seekers is a community focused non-profit that hopes to build understanding through storytelling. You can learn more at www.SeekersNW.com.

Special Guests: Michael Ramos and Pastor Joanne Engquist.