Oak Lawn Church Defies Order, Consecrates Rainbow Display Today

UPDATE: In a powerful statement against state directives, the Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas has consecrated a vibrant rainbow display on its front steps today, October 22, 2023. This act of resistance comes after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the removal of rainbow crosswalks across Texas, sparking outrage and support for LGBTQ rights.

The church, located in a historically LGBTQ neighborhood, painted its steps with the colors of the Pride flag in direct response to Abbott’s directive issued on October 8. This order mandates that all Texas cities eliminate “any and all political ideologies from our streets,” including LGBTQ symbols. The church’s rainbow display symbolizes not only a celebration of love but also a defiance against attempts to erase LGBTQ visibility.

During the consecration ceremony, Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison led the gathered crowd in a heartfelt call-and-response prayer, declaring, “These steps are more than paint: They are a prayer of sacred resistance.” She emphasized that the colors represent every individual’s worth, stating, “Each color preaches the gospel – that every person is created in the image of God, and worthy of safety, dignity and belonging.” The crowd erupted in applause as she concluded, “Love always finds a way.”

This event comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in Texas regarding LGBTQ rights. Abbott’s directive has put cities at risk of losing critical state and federal funding if they do not comply within 30 days. Major cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio feature rainbow crosswalks, which are now under threat. Just last week, a crew in Houston painted over a beloved rainbow crosswalk in the Montrose neighborhood.

Among the attendees were Hayden and Rango Parmar-Weiss, a couple who recently married due to fears that legal protections could soon vanish. They expressed gratitude for the church’s use of the Progress Pride flag, which includes colors representing marginalized communities. “We’re matching their energy and making sure that we are just as visible as ever, if not more visible,” Hayden shared passionately.

The church’s display has drawn mixed reactions, with a protestor standing outside holding a sign that claimed the rainbow was “a promise of God, not a symbol of pride.” As the community rallies in support of the church, tensions continue to escalate. On October 18, around 120 residents protested the removal of rainbow crosswalks, with Dallas City Council member Paul Ridley exploring legal avenues to challenge Abbott’s order. The Dallas City Council is scheduled to discuss this issue on November 5.

Similar actions are unfolding nationwide. Earlier this summer, Florida crews painted over a rainbow crosswalk memorializing the victims of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub massacre, igniting outrage in the community. Federal officials, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, have urged states to prioritize the removal of political messaging from roads, stating that taxpayers expect funding for safe streets rather than art.

The Oak Lawn United Methodist Church’s act of consecrating its rainbow display today is a clear message that love and acceptance will not be silenced. As the community grapples with these developments, all eyes will be on the Dallas City Council’s upcoming discussions and the broader implications for LGBTQ rights in Texas and beyond.