North Texas United Methodists Show Their Pride

Oak Lawn, Union, Trinity UMC Duncanville, Northaven, St. Stephen, Greenland Hills, Lakewood, Preston Hollow and White Rock participate

Rev. Jane Graner is the Senior Pastor at Trinity UMC Duncanville.

United Methodist pride was once again on display at the Dallas Pride Parade and Festival, hosted June 1-2 at Fair Park, as area United Methodist churches witnessed the full inclusion of LGBTQ folks.

Multiple United Methodist Reconciling Congregations, who have publicly committed to full inclusion, set up vendor booths at Saturday’s Dallas Pride Music Festival. United Methodist churches were represented in the main area, as well as specified areas for children and youth.

At each booth, United Methodists connected with people from throughout the metroplex and beyond. Many attendees were aware that something historic had recently happened in The United Methodist Church. Booth volunteers were able to share the good news that all the anti-LGBTQ language had been removed from The Book of Discipline, our United Methodist rule book.

They were also able to share that legendary United Methodist hospitality. The Oak Lawn UMC/Union Coffee booth gave away more than 300 snow cones! The Trinity UMC Duncanville booth befriended every dog in attendance, offering both dog treats and human treats. Northaven UMC and St. Stephen UMC were also among the vendors.

On Sunday, Greenland Hills UMC, Lakewood UMC, Preston Hollow UMC and White Rock UMC joined in the fun for the Dallas Pride Alan Ross Freedom Parade. This year’s theme was appropriately “Unity in the Community.” Award-winning actor and stage icon Billy Porter served as Honorary Grand Marshal.

In all, there were five floats or vehicles representing area United Methodists. Many other United Methodists marched alongside the vehicles as the line snaked its way for more than a mile through Fair Park.

United Methodists made up the largest religious presence at both the Festival and Parade, and people expressed their appreciation through shout outs of support and words of thanks to all the churches and religions organizations who showed up. United Methodist participants look forward to next year as they continue to witness to the good news that God loves all.

Published: Wednesday, June 12, 2024