ARTT’s History and Mission

Montview’s Anti-Racism Trust Team Work Begins…
In the Fall of 2020, following a summer of racial unrest, Montview’s Anti-Racism Trust Team (ARTT) was formed to prayerfully discern how Montview might become a more anti-racist congregation. The ARTT team has delved into honestly sharing thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Through sharing stories and learning together, they have built trust and a shared language.

ARTT’s Mission
The Montview ARTT is a “beloved community”… one which values equity and inclusivity.

• We believe we must start with AWARENESS and listening for the voice of the Spirit in our own hearts before we can step into this work with our congregation.
• We COMMIT to action to bring forth the scriptural values of seeking justice and loving mercy.
• We are dedicated to loving our neighbor as ourselves and building deeper RELATIONSHIPS within our Montview community.                                 

Over the past year, the ARTT has moved this vision forward primarily through offering and facilitating small groups focused on The Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism by Dr. Jemar Tisby. 

*Note: “Beloved Community is rooted in the biblical notion of Agape Love (God’s unconditional love) and is to be the ultimate goal for the world (creation). It, according to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is the love of God operating in the human heart, and seeks to “preserve and create community.”

If you would like to engage in individual anti-racism steps, we recommend reading this article published in the 303 Magazine in June 2020, entitled “How to Be an Anti-Racist in Denver.”

Montview Church Program Staff Interview on Anti-Racism Work 
Montview Church is committed to integrating principles that support and promote racial justice throughout the life and work of our church. We believe that this commitment from our church leadership is an essential part of Montview’s anti-racism work.  Our program staff has participated in a powerful 5 month training entitled,  “Anti-Racism Practices for Faithful Leaders,” facilitated by NextChurch, a program of the PC-USA Church. They speak about their learning, experiences and reflections from the training, and how this will impact their work and our congregation as we plan for the future. Pastor Ian honestly shares wise advice from facilitator Jessica Vazquez Torres to encourage learning and growth in this area: “Be willing to fall down, and embarrass yourself. This is hard work. It is awkward work.”  Please listen to our Montview Church staff’s discussion about current and upcoming efforts and commitment to anti-racism work in our congregation and beyond.

For a collection of articles and resources on race, visit our Race Resource page by clicking here.

ARTT Prayer of Lamentation
This prayer is a collective effort created by the entire ARTT to raise awareness of the pain and trauma caused by racism, to acknowledge our responsibility as Christians to work towards healing and reconciliation, and to ask for the Spirit to guide us in this important work.

Watch this video above of a Prayer of Lament, written and read by the ARTT. In it, they share laments and prayers for the sin of racism. Read the full prayer text here.