An oral history of the sanctuary movement based on interviews with religious and lay leaders in the Bay Area conducted by Eileen Purcell during 1997-1998. The interviews cover the beginning of the sanctuary movement during the Vietnam Conflict (1971-1972) and the much more extensive movement assisting Central American refugees in the United States (1982-1987). Associated records document the movement's activities and concerns year by year.

Eileen Purcell planned a comprehensive oral history of the Sanctuary movement that would include refugees as well as religious and lay leaders in the Bay Area, the US, and Central America. The project was sponsored by the SHARE Foundation and the National Sanctuary Defense Fund / the Monsenor Romero Foundation. After the initial interviews, the project was put on hold when Purcell was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, from which she later recovered.

5.8 linear feet (6 boxes, 2 folders in map drawer) 12 transcripts, 20 images

Copyright has been assigned to The Graduate Theological Union. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Archivist.

Collection is open for research. Portion of Bernie Maezel interview on tape is restricted.