Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas has stirred controversy by transforming a traditional Christmas nativity display into a protest against U.S. immigration enforcement. This year’s installation features an altar marked by the words “ICE was here,” with Joseph and Mary locked in a barbed-wire cage, their son, Jesus, conspicuously absent. The message is loud and clear: the church is using its sacred space to convey a political stance.
Associate Pastor Isabel Marquez openly acknowledged the political nature of the display during an interview with local media. “Is it political? Probably,” she stated, suggesting that contemporary issues around immigration are impossible to ignore, especially during the holiday season. Marquez likened the plight of immigrants to that of the Holy Family, indicating that as they sought refuge, today’s immigrants are also knocking on society’s doors for help. “This Holy Family is telling us that we are receiving that knock on our doors too,” she emphasized.
The church’s approach has drawn sharp criticism, especially on social media. Commenters reacted with disbelief over what they viewed as a distortion of the nativity story, which traditionally focuses on the birth of Jesus and the sanctity of family. Critics called the display a blatant attempt to marry a political agenda with what many see as a sacred event.
Moreover, this isn’t the first time Oak Lawn United Methodist Church has courted controversy. The church has long been associated with progressive causes, often painting its exterior steps in rainbow colors as a statement of support for LGBTQ+ rights after state officials attempted to ban such displays of pride. Events like drag shows and transgender clothing swaps have also been hosted there, signaling the church’s commitment to far-left ideologies.
The removal of the baby Jesus from the nativity scene symbolizes more than just a missing figure; it reflects a broader ideological departure from the original message of Christmas. By combining the theme of immigration with the nativity, the church risks overshadowing the core biblical story that has inspired generations.
This trend of politicizing nativity scenes is not unique to Oak Lawn UMC. Several churches across the United States have adopted similar displays, using the nativity to highlight their stances on immigration issues. For instance, a church in Evanston, Illinois, displayed baby Jesus in zip-tie handcuffs, directly referencing a recent police action against immigrants.
Overall, the nativity display at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church embodies the growing trend of merging faith with contemporary social issues, sparking debates about the role of religion in public discourse. While the church aims to make a statement about compassion and solidarity with immigrants, the execution raises questions about respect for religious traditions and the message being conveyed during one of the most sacred times of the year.
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