Members of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church traveled to the Big Bend region last week to join local residents, conservationists and business owners protesting proposed border wall construction near Big Bend National Park.
In a social media post, the Dallas-based church said Rev. Rachel and another member identified as Cher participated in demonstrations opposing plans for additional wall construction in the region. The church said protesters voiced concerns about impacts on fragile ecosystems, wildlife corridors, tourism and the natural landscape of the Big Bend area.
The church encouraged followers to visit the activist website NoBigBendWall.org for what it described as “factual and updated information” about the issue.
Oak Lawn United Methodist Church has previously drawn statewide attention for painting the steps of its church building in rainbow colors in defiance of efforts by Texas officials to discourage or remove rainbow-themed public displays. The congregation became a prominent symbol of LGBTQ inclusion during disputes over rainbow crosswalks and similar displays across Texas under Gov. Greg Abbott’s administration.
The church describes itself as an inclusive congregation that welcomes people “regardless of who you are, who you love and what you believe.”
Border wall proposals in the Big Bend region have sparked ongoing debate among residents, conservation groups and elected officials, with critics arguing construction could disrupt wildlife migration patterns and damage scenic landscapes that support the area’s tourism economy.
Photo by Cheryl Griffin-Allison
