In 2017, St. John’s became a sanctuary church, and we committed to walking humbly alongside the immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers in our community and neighborhood.
We strive to be a strong, loving presence that stands in opposition to the extraordinary, systematic discrimination and cruelty towards migrants. We refuse to be complicit in this oppression.
As a church, we:
Accompany migrants through court hearings
Attend vigils & rallies supporting migrant rights
Host trainings & workshops
Raise funds for partner organizations
Our Sanctuary Huddle protesting at the ICE headquarters in San Francisco.
Join our Sanctuary Huddle.
The Sanctuary Huddle at St. John’s gathers periodically to discuss immigration rights, find ways to support immigrant families, and plan upcoming projects.
Check our Events for upcoming meetings, or contact us for more information about the Huddle.
Our huddle partners.
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Past Sanctuary Projects.
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US-Mexico Migrant Christmas Giving
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During Christmas 2022, we brought gifts of toys, clothing, and personal care items for the Kino Border Initiative, a nonprofit that promotes humane and just migration.
2020 ICE Protest During COVID
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At the outset of the pandemic, we protested at the courthouse to demand the release of immigrant detainees. The hearts represent those who died of COVID while detained.
#FreeThemAll Banner Drop
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In October 2020, we joined dozens of organizations to call on Governor Gavin Newsom to free our loved ones from jails, prisons, and immigration detention.
Pride 2022 Offering for LGBT Asylum Project
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During Pride Month 2022, we raised funds to provide legal assistance for an entire case for an asylum-seeker here in the San Francisco area.
Afghan Refugees Christmas Fundraiser
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During Christmas 2021, we raised $16,000 to support the 4000+ Afghan refugees settling in the Bay Area with emergency rent assistance & household items.
Accompaniment to Citizenship
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For more than three years, we accompanied our friend Joaquin through court accompaniments and ICE check-ins until he gained citizenship in 2021.
Supporting Haitian Refugees
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In January 2022, we delivered care packages of baby toys and newborn necessities to a new Haitian refugee family who had just resettled in the East Bay.
2020 Ukulele Bond Fundraiser
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In March 2020, we hosted ukulele concert & fundraiser and raised more than $7500 in bond money to release immigrants being held in detention.
Want to learn more?
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Get in touch with our Pastoral Staff to talk more about our commitment to be a sanctuary church.
Pastor Theresa Cho | theresa@stjohnssf.org
Associate Pastor Sam Lundquist | sam@stjohnssf.org