Background. When the first sanctuaries for asylum seekers were established in 1993, psychological consequences were a concern and an interview study was started. Material and methods. The study focused on the refugees' background, physical and psychological reactions, the children's situation, coping strategies and post-traumatic effects, and whether the church-asylants got adequate care from the health services. Twenty former and present church asylants and the same number of helpers with various backgrounds were interviewed. Results. The reasons for seeking sanctuary in the church were fear for one's life, lack of future opportunities, and refusal of asylum. Uncertainty was the most difficult aspect of their plight. All 20 asylants reported headaches, insomnia, sadness, suicidal thoughts and restlessness. In a small minority suffering from severe psychiatric disturbances, previous experience of trauma, were predominant. Education, training, work, social contact and health assistance were organized to cope with the situation. Basic hopes, a wish to help children and family, and experience of friendship and solidarity were the most important motivational factors for keeping up morale. Interpretation. The study shows that church asylants who take an active role, receive emotional support, and have good health services available are protected psychologically during their stay in the sanctuary, possibly also in the long term.

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