About The Colombia Sanctuary Project
Our Concern:
Many courageous Colombians are working to end the conflict in their country & promote a just & peaceful society. Often, they are threatened, kidnapped, or killed because of these efforts. Some are forced to leave Colombia temporarily & seek safe haven in other countries in order to save their lives. In response to their desperate need for refuge we have initiated the Chicago Colombia Sanctuary Project. The Colombia Sanctuary Project works with congregations in the Chicago area to offer sanctuary to endangered Colombian human rights defenders, as well as offer opportunities for people in the US to learn from & accompany those who are struggling for peace in Colombia.
Our Mission:
- To support non-violent actions leading to a just resolution to the conflict in Colombia
- To provide sanctuary – temporary refuge – for Colombians who are forced to leave their country because of their work on behalf of human rights & social justice.
- To educate US citizens about the conflict in Colombia, & the role of the U.S., with the goal of strengthening grassroots efforts to build a peaceful & just society.
What does CCSP do?
CCSP…
- coordinates placement of Colombian human rights defenders seeking sanctuary with appropriate congregations in the Chicago area for a period of six months
- coordinates fundraising efforts to pay for expenses of visitors
- supports congregations that are providing sanctuary
- provides information to educate US citizens about the situation in Colombia
- advocates for justice for Colombian refugees in the U.S. & for a just resolution to the conflict in Colombia
- & provides opportunities for US people to learn from & accompany those who are struggling for peace in Colombia.
What can your congregation do?
Religious congregations are invited to consider providing sanctuary for human rights defenders who are forced to flee Colombia.
They will need respite & hospitality, including:
- General hospitality, emotional & spiritual support, & a chance to share their stories
- Housing
- A monthly stipend for food & personal expenses
- Transportation
A sponsoring congregation provides the primary support for the needs of the sanctuary recipient. These responsibilities include:
- Writing a letter of invitation to the individual, officially inviting them to come & be a part of your faith community for six months
- Asking your Congressional representative to write a letter of support (both the letter of invitation & the congressional letters will be presented to the US Embassy in Colombia for visa application)
- Creating committees/groups to help arrange speaking engagements on Colombia, helping to provide translation at events, meeting with the Colombian guests regularly to make sure their needs are met & to provide a connection to the community
- Finding other ways to show hospitality & emotional & community support
- Contributing to the financial support of the sanctuary recipient
Please consider how your congregation can show hospitality to these courageous & faithful sisters & brothers from war-torn Colombia.
Contact:
Paul Horst, Chicago Colombia Sanctuary Project Coordinator
(773) 293-3680
phorst@chicagosanctuary.org
For more information on the human rights situation in Colombia, see:
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