Indianola First United Methodist Church, a historic Indianola church associated with pro-LQBTQ+ groups, is building a playground at their Ashland Avenue property. The playground will prominently feature a rainbow in its design.
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Indianola First UMC has not expressly stated what the rainbow design is intended to communicate. They’ve stated that the design feature was suggested by a child of a committee member. What is clear is how this congregation often uses the rainbow symbol.
The rainbow has meant different things over time. Historically, the rainbow embodied the biblical account of judgment, salvation, and covenant found in Genesis 9. However, for several decades, the rainbow has been the symbol of the LGBTQ+ movement, a movement Indianola First has allied itself with.
Issues of human sexuality have been a major issue within the United Methodist Church for several years. After pro-LGBTQ+ elements took over many UMC institutions, many orthodox Methodist churches (perhaps as much as 25%) left the denomination.
Indianola First United Methodist Church has strongly come out in favor of accepting LGBTQ+ practices in the church. Their website homepage features rainbow colored doors. They are part of the Reconciling Ministries Network which, “is committed to intersectional justice across and beyond the United Methodist connection, working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church.” Indianola First describes itself as “a reconciling congregation” and flies rainbow banners during Pride Month.
The Methodist church has played a big role in Indianola’s history. Indianola First UMC has one of the oldest and largest buildings in the city. Simpson College was founded as a Methodist seminary and is still formally connected to the UMC.
However, many conservative Methodists believe their leadership has betrayed them for a radical unbiblical and anti-Christian agenda. Is this rainbow-themed playground another reminder of that apparent betrayal?
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