In this episode of The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush engages with four distinguished religious leaders and activists from Minnesota: Rev. Susie Hayward, Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown, Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel, and Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs.

The discussion centers on the current authoritarian crisis engulfing their community, driven by ICE raids and systemic injustice. Each leader shares their insights on the role of faith in activism, the importance of community, and their personal experiences confronting violence and authoritarianism, both globally and locally. They also explore the historical context of displacement and oppression and the need for solidarity in these turbulent times.

The episode highlights the essential relationships strengthening and encouraging the work of our guests and every activist; the ways creative expression can support resilience; the gift that ritual can be in a time of chaos and crisis; and of course, the role faith can play for individuals and entire movements. The conversation offers valuable lessons on how to engage with and support marginalized communities even in this time of potential personal risk.

More About Our Guests:

Rev. Susie Hayward is minister for justice and formation at Creekside United Church of Christ in Minneapolis. She’s a religion and peace scholar, activist, educator, and minister, as well as a longtime leader in faith-based organizing and justice work. Susie spent 14 years at the US Institute of Peace.

Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown is an African American pastor, educator, author, and activist with more than three decades of experience advocating for underrepresented communities. With a heart for community and access for all, she stands - and activates - as a truth-teller at the intersection of faith, education, and justice.

Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel is Pastor for Justice Ministries and Director of the Center for Sustainable Justice at Lyndale United Church of Christ, and adjunct faculty at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She’s the author of the book Carnal Knowledge of God: Embodied Love and the Movement for Justice.

Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs is a Mohican pastor, author, and environmental justice leader who works with Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light. Formerly the Director of Racial Justice and Community Engagement for the Minnesota Council of Churches, Rev. Jim Bear weaves Indigenous spirituality, Christian faith, and climate justice into powerful teachings on healing, land, and community.

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