The resources and scholarship made available on this website come to you as a collective effort between Professor Lloyd Barba, Professor of Religion at Amherst College, scholars, guest speakers, and a cast of savvy technicians behind the scenes.
The Literature tab provides a mix of sources to learn even more. It is updated regularly by Lloyd Barba. Since the Sanctuary Movement is active today, we will make our best effort to stay abreast as new sources are published. Visit the Columns and Conversations tabs for more information on student scholarship on selected topics and student-led interviews with sanctuary activists and scholars. Also view Timeline for an overview of the development of sanctuary.
It Takes A Village
During the 2020 – 2021 academic year, scholars enrolled in “The Sanctuary Movement: Religion, Activism, and Social Contestation” with a mix attending in-person and remotely. Beginning with an examination of global antecedents to the U.S. Sanctuary Movement, this course offered scholars an in-depth study of the Sanctuary Movement since the 1980s with special attention to the New Sanctuary Movement, which is active today throughout the country. The classes hosted six guest speakers and culminated with every scholar producing a column or recording a podcast.
“The Sanctuary Movement: Religion, Activism, and Social Contestation” returned for the 2024 – 2025 academic year. A new host of scholars uncovered the U.S. Sanctuary Movement and built upon the legacy of past researchers. The classes hosted six guest speakers and culminated with every scholar producing a column or recording a podcast.
A special thanks to Amherst College’s own Megan Lyster at the Center for Community Engagement College and academic technology specialists Asha Kinney and Andy Anderson. Peter Marvin and Susan Daniels helped make the podcasts possible. And a very special thanks to the Davis Center for funding various course projects and the Religion Department for the support to teach this course.
Website Designer: Santiago Vargas Garcia ’21; Engineer: 0101010101 1010101; Editors: Lloyd Barba, Santiago Vargas Garcia, Asha Kinney, Katherine Holding, 010101 0101010101
The opinions expressed on this website do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Religion, the Trustees of Amherst College, or any individual, group, association, or entity.