Thanks to all who came out for theology on Tap last night. It was a great crowd. A special thanks to Debbie Morris Smith, our presenter from the International Institute.
We put together a list of “further reading” based on our conversation.
99% Invisible, a great independent podcast, recently did a series of two episodes about Sanctuary. The first episode is all about churches. If you want a 20 minute rundown of the history of the modern Sanctuary Movement, and the theology inspiring the work, you’d be hard pressed to find a better summary.
The New Yorker‘s March 13,2017 issue has a great article titled “The Underground Railroad for Refugees.” Looking at a particular safe house in Buffalo New York, and profiling particular refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, you get a sense of the breadth of the challenges ahead.
One of the congregations that sponsors Theology on Tap, The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion in University City is in discernment about starting a longtime formal partnership with Cristosal, a human rights organization in El Salvador founded through the Episcopal/Anglican church. Cristosal has put out a series of reports on the violence that is displacing people internally and creating a refugee situation in Central America. (This is not easy reading. Much involves the testimony of people who have face violence and torture).
The New York Times recently covered a series of churches that are preparing to offer sanctuary. The article notes how we’re not exactly sure what is coming, but how some churches are preparing based on their experiences in the past with sanctuary.
Sanctuary St. Louis is the local group working to build the conversation and work with faith communities.
Finally, remember that next month Theology on Tap will not be meeting at Dressel’s. Instead we’ll have a “field trip” to Washington University to hear Presiding Bishop Michael Curry speak. If you email WashU to let them know you’re coming, they’ll give you a parking pass.
Theology on Tap St. Louis 