Embodying Sanctuary: Faith, Activism, and Creativity at Judson Memorial Church

Since its inception, Judson Memorial Church has sought to continually expand the meaning of the word “sanctuary,” with its 132-year-old landmarked building serving as a safe haven for artists, immigrants, and unfettered innovation in the realms of spirituality, justice-making, and creativity. Now, as the definition of “sanctuary” is degraded by politicians, disrespected by government agencies, and cheapened by overuse, a panel of thinkers from Judson’s past and present, facilitated by Rev. Micah Bucey, will reimagine the potency of declaring one’s space and one’s self a “sanctuary,” shedding light on what the word, the concept, and its continuing call might mean for our collective future.

Rev. Micah Bucey serves as Minister at Judson Memorial Church, a congregation committed to curiously seeking the intersections between spirituality, justice, and creativity. He developed and continues to oversee Judson’s weekly and completely free “Judson Arts Wednesdays” series, which has commissioned, presented, produced, and promoted the creative output of hundreds of poets, actors, playwrights, composers, musicians, dancers, choreographers, painters, photographers, sculptors, and many others, from New York City and beyond.