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An artist rendering of what the front of OLUMC will look like once the painting is complete<\/p>\nAn artist rendering of what the front of OLUMC will look like once the painting is complete<\/p>\n
In response to Gov. Greg Abbott\u2019s order that cities remove rainbow crosswalks, Oak Lawn United Methodist Church is painting its front steps in rainbow colors.<\/p>\n
Oak Lawn United Methodist Church is a long-standing inclusive faith community in Dallas and a reconciling congregation.<\/p>\n
The governor\u2019s order claims that crosswalks are a distraction to drivers. However, studies have shown fewer accidents involving pedestrians happen in rainbow crosswalks.<\/p>\n
For OLUMC, located at the corner of Oak Lawn Avenue and Cedar Springs Road which is the site of one of the crosswalks, church leaders say this act is not one of defiance, but of faith.<\/p>\n
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\nThe painting process begins (Photos by Chad Mantooth)<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important because silence is not neutral \u2014 silence in the face of harm always sides with the oppressor,\u201d said OLUMC Senior Pastor Rachel Griffin-Allison. \u201cPainting 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a written statement, the church\u2019s leadership said it hopes the rainbow steps will serve as both a statement of solidarity and a sanctuary of hope for the LGBTQ+ community and allies across Dallas.<\/p>\n
Members of the church, led by Robert Garcia Sr., began painting the steps on Tuesday morning, Oct. 21. Garcia said it would take four or five coats of paint before a non-slip sealer is added to preserve the rainbow.<\/p>\n
Garcia said work on the steps should take about two weeks.<\/p>\n
\u2014 David Taffet<\/p>\n
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