99% Invisible Sanctuary
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Jan 21, 2025 
Delaney Hall, a producer known for her engaging storytelling, and John Fife, a courageous Presbyterian minister from Tucson, share gripping narratives from the sanctuary movement in America. They discuss harrowing journeys of Salvadoran migrants and the pivotal role local churches played in offering refuge. The podcast highlights the moral challenges faced by faith leaders, drawing parallels between historical sanctuary efforts and today's immigration debates. Through personal testimonies, they illuminate the resilience of communities resisting oppressive policies.
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Deadly Desert Crossing
- In July 1980, Salvadoran migrants crossed the Arizona desert, facing extreme heat.
- Twelve out of twenty-six died on the first day, highlighting the perilous journey.
Reasons for Fleeing
- Reverend John Fife, initially unaware of Central American conflicts, learned about the migrants' reasons for fleeing.
- The migrants shared stories of death squad threats and killings, revealing the dangers they faced.
El Salvador's Civil War
- El Salvador's civil war stemmed from decades of oligarchic and military rule, marked by repression.
- Left-wing groups emerged, leading to violent military responses and widespread civilian casualties.