Oak Lawn Church Defies Texas Governor with Rainbow Steps Ceremony

UPDATE: In a powerful act of defiance, the Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas has consecrated a vibrant rainbow display on its front steps, just days after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the removal of rainbow crosswalks statewide. The church held the ceremony on October 15, 2023, celebrating its commitment to the LGBTQ community amid escalating tensions over LGBTQ symbols in Texas.

The church’s response comes after Abbott’s directive on October 8, which mandated that political symbols, including the Pride flag, be eradicated from public spaces. During the ceremony, Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison led attendees in a call-and-response prayer, emphasizing the message: “Love belongs in public.”

“This is not just paint; it is a prayer of sacred resistance,” Griffin-Allison declared, rallying the crowd. Cheers erupted as she concluded, “Love always finds a way.” The rainbow display reflects the church’s long-standing support for the LGBTQ community, especially significant in Dallas’ historically vibrant LGBTQ neighborhood.

The consecration ceremony drew a crowd of around 120 people, including couples like Hayden and Rango Parmar-Weiss, who recently married amid fears of losing marriage rights. Rango expressed their gratitude for the church’s use of the Progress Pride flag, which incorporates colors representing marginalized communities. “We’re matching their energy and making sure that we are just as visible as ever,” Hayden stated, underscoring the emotional stakes at play.

Abbott’s directive has incited backlash throughout Texas, with cities like Houston already complying by removing rainbow crosswalks. The Texas Department of Transportation warned cities they have 30 days to adhere to the directive or risk losing vital funding. The implications are vast: many major Texas cities, including San Antonio and Austin, have embraced rainbow symbols, prompting protests from local residents.

At the ceremony, a lone protestor stood outside the church, holding an American and Christian flag alongside a sign claiming the rainbow was “a promise of God, not a symbol of pride.” This stark contrast highlights the deep divisions surrounding this issue.

Local leaders continue to push back against the governor’s order. Dallas City Council member Paul Ridley revealed that discussions regarding the city’s rainbow crosswalks are scheduled for November 5. “We’re exploring legal options to contest this directive,” Ridley stated.

The situation in Texas mirrors broader national trends, as other states like Florida have also seen similar removals. In a recent incident, a rainbow crosswalk honoring victims of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub massacre was painted over, sparking outrage among community members.

As the debate intensifies, the urgent question remains: How will other Texas cities respond to Abbott’s order, and what will be the future of LGBTQ visibility across the state? The Oak Lawn United Methodist Church’s bold stand promises to keep this conversation alive as advocates for equality rally in support of love and visibility.

Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.