When Sanctuary Shatters: Can the Church Protect Those Who Hide in Fear
Illustration by Kume Pather Pay no attention to what you hear in the news, this is the reality for many: Veronica clutched her daughter’s hand tighter as they walked down the cracked sidewalk. The sun had barely risen, casting a dull orange glow over the neighborhood, but she felt no warmth. The air was thick with fear, an invisible fog that had settled over their community in recent days. “¿Mami, por qué caminas tan rápido?” Sofia’s small voice broke through Veronica’s racing thoughts. She forced a smile. “No quiero que llegues tarde, mi amor.” That was a lie. She wasn’t concerned about being late; her thoughts were dominated by the shadows lurking on the streets, the sirens that had become a constant soundtrack, the black SUVs that had been circling their neighborhood. It hadn’t always been like this. Not long ago, she found comfort in knowing that some places like the church, school, the hospital were a sanctuary, protected by law. Places where families like hers could breathe...