CONNECT WITH....
Anti Racism Team
For the past five years, the St. Matthew’s Anti-Racism Team (SMART) has helped our church grow in understanding, compassion, and action. They believe that fairness and inclusion are part of following God’s call, and they offer ways to learn together about anti-racism, justice, and caring for all people.
Their work has included book groups, classes, field trips, and workshops with partners like How to Talk to Your Racist Uncle. They also started a lending library with diverse voices and led the church in learning about the Doctrine of Discovery. The team created a Land and Labor Acknowledgment to help our worship be grounded in truth.
SMART also helped update St. Matthew’s welcome statement to reflect our full support of being an anti-racist and LGBTQIA+ affirming church. With each new activity, they invite us to love boldly, seek justice, and follow God with open hearts.
In the summer of 2025, the team will take a much-needed sabbatical to rest, listen for God’s voice, and prepare for the year ahead.
Looking for Resources?
The holy work of anti-racism is central to our faith—a lifelong journey of learning and unlearning that draws us closer to God's justice, mercy, and beloved community. Through education, experience, empathy, and exposure, we are invited to grow in spirit and truth, with many ways to enter the journey: books, podcasts, movies, cultural events, partnerships, and the sacred practice of listening to others’ stories. Here are some places to find resources.
EXPLANATION OF THE DECLARATION OF THE ELCA
- To begin your anti-racism journey: WADE IN THE WATER
- Deepen your learning: LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING
- Raising the stakes: MUST JESUS BEAR THE CROSS ALONE
All lists curated by the ELCA Northest Synod's
