DISAGREE RESPECTFULLY
Letter to the Editor of the Coaster Published June 8, 2023
Social media serves a multitude of purposes, but one unfortunate consequence is hatefulness. Of late, I’ve been terribly disappointed by the vicious comments on social media regarding the controversy over the role of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA). Those of us who have posted articles or raised questions about the OGCMA on social media have been called bullies, complainers, told to leave, anti-Christian, etc.
As a member of Neptune United I would like to clarify certain misunderstandings. We are not against Christianity; many members of Neptune United are Christian. And we acknowledge the historical significance that the OGCMA has played in the community.
However, we have raised concerns that relate to human rights, parity for home owners, freedom of and from religion ( First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution). If anything, we have been highly critical of Neptune Township for not protecting the constitutional rights of Ocean Grove residents.
We do have concerns relating to the OGCMA that we hope rational people can understand:
The OGCMA recently named a park in our town after Charles Boswell who was the OGCMA president when the Ku Klux Klan was invited to speak at the Great Auditorium. The OGCMA placed a sign commemorating Charles Boswell in that park without zoning approval. Please understand that this should be offensive to all of us.
The OGCMA sponsors Bridgefest in June, the speakers of which preach repeatedly against the LGBTQ+ community. Please understand why this is offensive to the LGBTQ+ community and all of those who respect them.
The controversy over the cross on beach badges is ongoing. Please understand that this is offensive to non-Christians and Christians who object to wearing or carrying a religious icon.
There is a lack of parity between the OGCMA and homeowners in many respects. Until a few weeks ago the OGCMA was not required to have their tents and cottages inspected, nor were they required to get Certificates of Inspection and Occupancy. Now tents and cottages are inspected, ensuring safety for all. Please understand that Neptune Township had allowed this to happen for years.
Inconsistent oversight by Neptune Township’s Code and Construction Department that favors the OGCMA has been historical. The cross-shaped pier was never inspected by Neptune Township. Please understand that safety should be of paramount concern to all.
Sunday morning beach closures by the OGCMA continues. The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in 1979 that OGCMA rules can only be enforced voluntarily. Please understand that we would respect the OGCMA’s “rules” if they would respect us and our concerns.
Neptune United is not trying to make the OGCMA disappear. What we ask is that the OGCMA respects the different life choices of people who live here and not impose their religious beliefs on others. Is that so much to ask? Many people call Ocean Grove a Christian town. Please understand that Ocean Grove is not a town; it is a section of Neptune Township. Regardless, no town can be a Christian town, just as the United States can not be called a Christian nation. You may want to research what Thomas Jefferson and James Madison wrote and said on this topic.
We all live together in a slice of Neptune Township. Though we may disagree on issues, let us do so in a respectful way. We are not “cashing out” (in the words of Michael Badger). We are all lucky to live in a beautiful area, and we are here to stay. Neptune United asks only for respect for diversity in our community. The OGCMA claims that Ocean Grove is a welcoming community to everyone. This claim is hollow. It simply doesn’t ring true…
Paul Martin
Ocean Grove
