Jim Bear Jacobs named to Sacred Spaces national cohort
MCC celebrates Co-DIrector of Racial Justice Jim Bear Jacobs' participation in "Sacred Spaces: Racial Justice and Spirituality in Action," a cohort program of National Cathedral for faith leaders committed to racial equity and healing.
From Washington Episcopal National Cathedral's website:
Washington National Cathedral is thrilled to welcome the 2025-2026 cohort of Sacred Spaces: Racial Justice and Spirituality in Action, a nine-month program that brings together faith leaders, community organizers, and changemakers committed to building a more just and compassionate world. This diverse group of participants represents a wide range of traditions, experiences, and perspectives, each bringing a deep commitment to the work of racial equity and healing.
Over the coming months, participants will engage in transformative learning, courageous conversations, and collaborative action, grounded in spiritual practice and community building. Together, they will explore how faith can be a powerful catalyst for justice, drawing on the richness of their shared wisdom to inspire lasting change in their communities and beyond. We are honored to journey alongside these leaders as they put their values into action, and we look forward to witnessing the impact of their work in the year ahead.
Jacobs will join with other national faith leaders from the United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, Church of the Nazarene and African Methodist Episcopal - Zion denominations, as well as other racial justice organizers, for a 9-month journey.
Of Jacobs, the Cathedral says:
Born in St. Paul, Jim Bear is a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Nation in Wisconsin. A sought-after keynote speaker at events like The Overcoming Racism Conference, he has contributed chapters to books such as Reparations and the Theological Disciplines and Dialogues on Race. His work is also featured in Robert P. Jones' The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the PBS documentary Religion, Racism and Reconciliation.
Jacobs is a cultural facilitator in the Twin Cities, raising awareness of American Indian causes and justice. He founded "Healing Minnesota Stories," which creates dialogue and healing events, especially within faith communities.
He holds a B.A. in Pastoral Studies from North Central University and an M.A. in Christian Thought from Bethel Seminary. Jacobs has also served churches as youth minister, Christian educator, and director of Men's Ministries
"I'm looking forward to my time with other national leaders in faith-based racial justice spaces," said Jacobs, "and building on our work of truth and reparations here in Minnesota."
"Five years ago Minnesota Council of Churches' board of directors embraced a Vision for Racial Justice Truth and Reparations," said MCC CEO Elder Suzanne P. Kelly. "Now we are proud to see our Racial Justice Truth and Reparations program recognized with Jim Bear Jacob's inclusion in this national cohort. I am confident he will continue to be a leader in this space and pray that he and all the other participating leaders use their experience to build the common good in the world."