After 3 years in sanctuary, mother steps out of Utah church and into newfound freedom Annie Knox © Spenser Heaps, Deseret News Vicky Chavez, right, embraces Lisa Hyte, a member of the sanctuary committee at the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, as Chavez leaves the church on Thursday, April 15, 2021. Chavez has received a one-year stay of removal after spending more than three years living in sanctuary inside the church.
After three years inside a Salt Lake church, Vickey Chavez strode outside its front doors and into light rain Thursday, arms outstretched and palms to the sky.
This week marks the first time she and her two young daughters can finally make their way down the steps without fear.
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