Maybe a freeper lawyer can answer this... What part of the legal code allows churches to provide “sanctuary” from arrest? It’s my (albeit limited) understanding that the whole sanctuary system was abolished in England in the 1600s.
This ap shortie was sourced from this Ventura Star news piece.
Protesters target Simi church
Group sought citizen’s arrest of illegal immigrant inside
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/sep/17/protesters-target-simi-church/
Excerpt follows..
..
The Rev. June Goudey wouldn’t answer questions but said in a statement that the church would continue to provide shelter to Liliana, the Oxnard woman who won’t give her last name.
“What we have is a faith stronger than fear and a belief that doing justice is a high and holy calling,” Goudey said.
About 120 people came to the protest, many of them from outside Ventura County. United Church of Christ members seemed to be the only ones holding their tongues. Protesters calling for Liliana’s deportation carried signs with slogans like “Mothers Against Illegal Aliens” and “Don’t Attend this Law Breaker Church.”
They alternated between pleas for Liliana to give herself up, and loud, sometimes profane exchanges with counterprotesters.
“We’re frustrated Americans,” said Save Our State spokeswoman Chelene Nightingale, “and we represent all of the millions of Americans that were calling on Congress to stop amnesty. We’re here to let other Americans know that we’re here fighting for our nation and for our children.”
They wanted to do more than shout. Nightingale said Save Our State members wanted to make a citizen’s arrest but realized during the protest they weren’t going to get anywhere near Liliana.
..