In Detail... - Introducing... Sanctuary: An Act of Defiance
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A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986.
Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.
Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s authority before crashing down.
Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.
Producer: Jen Dale.
Sound design: Kasel Kundola.
Online producer: Rachael Smith.
Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.
Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck.
Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights.
Executive editor: Andrew Bowman.
Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.
Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
Published on Sunday, 28th September 2025.
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