Texas Church’s Nativity Scene Causes Stir Over Immigration Themes

A church in Texas has ignited debate after unveiling a nativity scene that portrays Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as contemporary immigrants trapped in a metal cage adorned with barbed wire.

Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas has placed this display on its vibrantly rainbow-painted steps.

The scene showcases a silhouette of the Holy Family behind a chain-link fence, accompanied by signs stating, “The Holy One is the Refugee” and “The Holy One is the Profiled and Patrolled.”

Inside the church, another exhibit features empty chairs, a protest-style sign, and a manger positioned beneath a wooden plank inscribed with “ICE WAS HERE.” Additional signs inquire, “Where is Mary?”, “Where is Joseph?”, and “Where is Jesus?”

The exhibit was inaugurated on December 8, with the church emphasizing its purpose as a provocative moral message for the community. “Our Nativity is not a photo op. It is a prayer in the form of a family,” the church expressed in a statement.

They added, “This year, we positioned the Holy Family in environments where so many people currently rest—tarpaulins, fences, and heavy wire. Not for shock, but for truth.”

The church’s display aims to highlight issues around immigration and homelessness, urging believers to reflect on those who may be overlooked during the holiday season. “If love is born through homeless families, then every homeless neighbor matters. Every immigrant matters. Every family seeking safety matters,” the statement reads.

Reactions from onlookers have varied. Sean Garman, a local resident, remarked, “I think this is a really good commentary on the political issues we’re currently facing at the border and the immigrants being arrested without due process.” Another neighbor, Sarah Perkins, added, “This is a modern interpretation of the Gospels. Jesus was an immigrant.”

Associate Pastor Isabel Marquez noted that the nativity’s message is deliberate. “This story sends a message to everyone. This is a way to communicate what’s really going on here for a lot of people,” she stated.

Marquez further commented on our shared humanity, saying, “As humans, we are called to walk this journey together. It doesn’t mean we should do more or less; it just means we should treat others as we would like to be treated.”

This isn’t the church’s first foray into political and social issues. Recently, they painted their steps rainbow-colored in support of the LGBTQ community after state Governor Greg Abbott ordered the removal of similar decorations. Additionally, in 2022, the church made headlines by ordaining two openly gay pastors, defying the local bishop.