Fires, ICE, and Faith — Rev. Dr. Matthew Colwell on Immigration, Loss, and Rebuilding Community

Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

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What if ICE visits our church? How are we doing after the LA Fires? And how can the Church help to rebuild and heal?

In this heartfelt episode of Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other, host Corey Nathan welcomes back the Reverend Dr. Matt Colwell, Senior Pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, CA. A theologian, author, and community leader, Matt opens up about losing his home in the devastating Eaton Fire, his deeply personal approach to immigrant justice, and the evolving role of the Church in times of social and political crisis. A long-time friend and spiritual guide to Corey, Matt shares how Scripture and lived experience converge to shape his ministry and public witness.

What We Discuss:

How the Eaton Fire profoundly impacted Pastor Matt and his congregation
What it looks like for a church to take a public stand on immigration and ICE enforcement
The intersection of Scripture, politics, and social ethics in Matt’s faith journey
Why churches are legally preparing for ICE visits—and how they’re doing it
The essential role of community, memory, and physical space in recovering from trauma
Strategies for engaging in tough conversations across ideological lines

Episode Highlights:
[00:01:00] Matt opens up about life after losing his home in the Eaton Fire
[00:03:00] How experiences in Guatemala and seminary shaped Matt’s understanding of faith and justice
[00:07:00] Corey and Matt explore deriving political views from scripture and the ethical challenge of self-trust
[00:14:00] Book recommendations: Lincoln’s Greatest Speech, The Dearly Beloved, and more
[00:18:00] The emotional aftermath of losing a home and the power of community response
[00:31:00] What the grieving process looks like when you lose not just a house, but identity-defining memories
[00:42:00] ICE visits to churches in Downey prompt new sanctuary policies at Knox Presbyterian
[00:47:00] How the church legally designated private spaces to protect undocumented individuals
[01:03:00] Corey’s candid reflection on preparing emotionally for hard political and religious conversations

Featured Quotes:
"When a pillar is pulled out from under you, it’s powerful to feel like God is present—and the church community is present." – Rev. Dr. Matt Colwell
"I don’t trust myself either. That’s why I need to hear different voices and read Scripture in community." – Rev. Dr. Matt Colwell
"I prepare for difficult conversations by rehearsing a mindset—not what I’ll say, but how I’ll listen." – Corey Nathan
"It’s not just stuff—it’s tied to relationships. Losing those memories feels like losing part of your identity." – Rev. Dr. Matt Colwell

Resources Mentioned:

Our God is Undocumented by Ched Myers and Matthew Colwell: orbisbooks.com/products/our-god-is-undocumented
Knox Presbyterian Church, Pasadena: knoxpasadena.org
Pastor Matt goes viral: www.instagram.com/p/DLP84OWM-4c/
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice: www.cluejustice.org

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