Skip to content

Kirchenasyl

church asylum

noun KIKH-en-ah-zueel Rare
People & Society Religion

Also means

sanctuary provided by a church to prevent deportation

Usage Note

Kirchenasyl is the practice of churches sheltering refugees facing deportation, relying on the historical principle that state authorities do not enter a sacred building. It is a recurring legal and ethical controversy in Germany, with churches invoking conscience against state immigration law.

Examples

"Die Gemeinde gewährte der Familie Kirchenasyl, bis die Abschiebung gestoppt wurde."

Natural Translation

The congregation granted the family church asylum until the deportation was stopped.

Literal Translation

The congregation granted the family church-asylum until the deportation was stopped.

Explore German by topic