The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Sanctuary is a difficult concept to grasp. There are too many definitions and too few certainties in its use. Is it a building where religious program focuses primarily on worship? Is it related to border issues and so-called sanctuary cities, or is it more personal, individual congregations offering safety within their walls to those who are displaced? Is it inviolable once established or is there definitional wiggle room? Is it a place, an attitude, a blessing, or something more? We have lost some of the deeper meanings attached to the notion of sanctuary. It is easy to forget its holy origins and thus apply it indiscriminately, mostly when it fits our needs or buys us an advantage.

In all the confusion is found a more functional definition. We discover sanctuary wherever and whenever God is present. Suddenly, the meaning of sanctuary is much broader and deeper, a place of personal and emotional safety and well-being. It would appear that the most logical applications of the term would implicate religion, and yet Christ needs no signboard or creedal authority in providing sanctuary about his person or in the lives of those he came in contact with.

On a broad scale, sanctuary of the heart and soul is hampered these days by lack of mental health services including inadequate numbers of trained providers. This shortage spills over into other vocations and disciplines as they have become next generation frontline defenders in ways that were never anticipated. Counselors, trained or not, are now found to be integral to other professions. But beware, a title attached to the front or back end of a name is no assurance of qualifications.

The cloak of authority that surrounds pastoral care is often a good example of that. Being trained in theology is no substitute for a sound foundation in counseling. Bragging upon one’s prowess as a Christian counselor should be noted with caution. Certifications to that effect are a dime a dozen within the industry (yes, ministry is an industry at times), and religious consumerism can result in truly poor choices of services. In general, if pastors focus solely on the spiritual aspects of mental health, they have only done half the work. If they mis-use scripture by addressing abuse only from one gender viewpoint, then it may be time to walk away. Do not be misled by personal declarations of qualifications that depend on “Christian” in front of their name. There are few quick fixes when mental health issues are involved. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked by the trappings of knowledge and authority.

The most capable counselors are those who do not draw attention to themselves in unhealthy ways, persons who are willing to acknowledge when they exceed their own boundaries and training. It is not unusual for pastors to declare that all the answers one needs are found in the Bible. As a pastor, that is deeply concerning. Sometimes the Bible itself is the focus of the problem. To claim otherwise relieves religious counselors of their own professional obligations to do no harm.

Is sanctuary present when and where we need it to be? It might take a little sorting out, but Divine presence can usually be found.