Crown Heights United Methodist Church, located “in the heart of Oklahoma City, is making a bold — and colorful — statement of support by painting the building’s front steps in the colors of the rainbow.
“We think the world needs more RAINBOWS!,” notes a message posted Sunday, April 19 on the church’s Facebook page. “We want to send a positive message to all God’s children: We are all made in the image of God and are loved. Don’t let anybody tell you differently!”
Dallas’ Oak Lawn United Methodist Church — which made headlines last October by painting the front steps of its historic sanctuary in the heart Oak Lawn in the colors of the rainbow in response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s edict banning rainbow crosswalks — commented on the Crown Heights post, saying, “Sending love and support from Dallas ❤️🙏🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️”
Crown Heights UMC is a reconciling church “has been sharing God’s love in the heart of Oklahoma City since 1929,” according to the church’s website. “We are proud to be part of a vital and diverse neighborhood with a promising future.”
The Rev.Trina Bose North has been pastor at Crown Heights UMC since June of 2016. She and her husband Justin have three children, the website notes.
“We are a community of Christians who recognize that we are all on a spiritual journey,” the website says. “As we worship, study, pray and serve together, our faith is stretched and encouraged. We welcome all to our worship services, study opportunities, mission outreach events and music program, indeed, to all our varied activities.”
Crown Heights UMC became a Reconciling Church in May 2019, “meaning we are intentional about our welcome to LGBTQ people. We also commit ourselves to working within the United Methodist Church for full inclusion.”
The church’s inclusivity statement, adopted by the whole congregation in May 2019, reads:
“Crown Heights United Methodist Church is dedicated to personifying inclusion and equality for ALL children of God. We welcome people of every sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, class, nationality and mental or physical ability to be in ministry with us. We want our community to recognize Crown Heights as a safe haven where all people are welcomed, affirmed, loved, and supported by the members of our congregation. We call our church members to be the extended hand of God.”
— Tammye Nash