Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas has sparked controversy this week by painting its front steps in rainbow colors.
The church, located in what Rev. Rachel Anderson calls the “gayborhood” of Oak Lawn, underwent a colorful makeover on Tuesday, serving as a sign of support for the LGBTQ community while sidestepping Abbott’s recent mandate that applies to the state’s public streets.
Abbott’s October 8 order requires that Texas cities eliminate any “political ideologies” from roadways, including rainbow crosswalks, while also citing federal guidelines for driver safety.
The governor’s office argues that markings like rainbow colors not only distract drivers but also violate uniform traffic control regulations.
The governor’s statement further mentioned that taxpayers fund these pro-LBGTQ symbols on public streets, some of whom may not entirely agree with the message: “Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not to promote political agendas on Texas roadways.”
Now, cities that fail to comply with Abbott’s order allegedly risk losing state and federal funding.
While the Dallas church’s rainbow steps, painted on private property, do not violate the state’s order, the action has raised some eyebrows.
Oak Lawn UMC posted multiple photos of the rainbow paint-job to Instagram, stating, “The governor may remove a rainbow from a roadway — but he cannot erase the image of God in God’s people. We are painting our steps because faith is not silent in the face of harm,” while also asking for donations.
In another post, the church stated, “We are not being ‘controversial.’ We are being Christian. Our steps are a declaration in paint: every LGBTQ+ child of God deserves safety, dignity, and joy — without apology.”
The makeover at Oak Lawns UMC follows this week’s crosswalk cover-up in Houston, where, as The Dallas Express previously reported, METRO crews painted over rainbow crosswalks in the Montrose neighborhood on October 20. Those crosswalks, painted back in 2017, were removed under Abbott’s recent order, resulting in a small protest that resulted in four arrests by the Houston Police Department.
Dallas city officials have yet to issue any public statement on the state’s directive, leaving open questions about how the city will balance compliance with Abbott’s order.
Oak Lawn United Methodist Church has not responded to The Dallas Express inquiry about Tuesday’s makeover, as of press time. However, the church’s official website includes excerpts within each reverend’s and pastor’s biography that show a strong connection to progressive political agendas.
- Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison, Senior Pastor. Bio reads: “helped lead the effort to remove harmful language from the UMC Book of Discipline—enabling openly gay and married clergy to serve in ministry.”
- Pastor Isabel Marquez-E, Associate Pastor. Bio reads: “brings together interfaith communities to advocate for refugee and immigration policy reform and the protection of human rights…. She is also part of the Core Team for the Thriving in Ministry program, supporting Latinx leaders across the United States.”
- Rev. Ryan Wager, Associate Pastor. Bio reads: “A passionate advocate for justice and inclusion – shaped by his study of queer and liberation theology… sits on the board of Safe Spaces Lebanon.”