Attorney General Jeff Sessions' comments regarding immigrant families, and his citation of Romans 13:1 as the basis for obedience to the laws of the State, represent a deep misunderstanding and misapplication of the relationship between the Church and the State that is consistent with the misunderstanding of Romans 13 that has long plagued the Church. The Christendom interpretation of Romans 13 has warped our view of the relationship between the Church and State. The New Testament shows little interest in proper statecraft; rather, the New Testament shows concern for how the Church will witness to Christ. As a Church in these challenging times, we are going to need a much deeper and more reflective understanding of the many ways we have been made a pawn of East of Eden powers, and untangle ourselves from these misunderstandings that have done so much damage to our witness, and to our ability to live out the heart of God in the world.

Dr. Greg Boyd’s reflection of the 2018 Sankofa journey. Dr. Boyd is the Senior Pastor at Woodland Hills Church. Here he writes about his initial reluctance to going on this group journey, and yet how hearing the stories of the African-American brothers and sisters journeying with him had a profound impact on him. Dr. Boyd shares how this experiential and relational journey to slavery and Civil Rights landmarks devastated him, hurt him and changed him.

Kenya Mejia's reflection of the 2018 Sankofa journey. Kenya Mejia is on staff at The Urban Refuge Church in Minneapolis. Here she writes about being inspired by the brave Civil Rights workers who fought for equal rights, and as a woman of color, how their struggle bolstered her sense of identity and self-worth.

Pastor David Lenz's reflection of the 2018 Sankofa journey. David Lenz is the Lead Pastor at Hope Church in Richfield. Here he writes about the intensity of feelings he experienced on Sankofa 2018: ranging from grief and anger to bewilderment. Acknowledging that by facing our country's past he came face to face with pure evil; and yet believing that facing the past is the only way we can move forward, together.

Gail Gisi's reflection of the 2018 Sankofa journey. Gail is the Director of Adult Education and Training at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. Here she writes about the way the “lens” of her mind and heart was adjusted in just four days, and the many lessons she learned while traveling with this team.