Religious Intent of Pier
“The shape of the pier can serve to remind people of the love and forgiveness God has for all people.”
The above September 26, 2022 quote from The Coaster newspaper marked the first time the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) publicly admitted the religious intent behind its shape for the Ocean Grove pier. However, the OGCMA’s intentions were already clear. Prior to that it publicly referred to the cross-shape pier in State documents and in conversations as “having bump-outs.”
The OGCMA originally publicized their cross-shape pier in their American Treasure capital campaign, which included a color brochure and website. In each, the OGCMA positioned its intended pier in the upright view.
No public print or digital materials mentioned the pier as a cross, however, the positioning of the photo in initial materials made the OGCMA’s intent very clear to readers.
Subsequently, the OGCMA rotated the photo on a subsequent, updated American Treasure website, perhaps due to mounting public awareness of and reaction to their intent.
In February 2021, when asked if the OGCMA “plans to build the pier in a cross-shape,” the OGCMA Associate Director of Development, stated separately to two Ocean Grove Home Owners Association (OGHOA) Board of Trustees members, “The pier has ‘bump-outs’ or ‘extensions.’ ”
The OGCMA stated at a June 28, 2021 Township Committee meeting that “the Pier will be in the shape of a cross,” in conversation with four OGHOA Board of Trustees members. There is a public recording of this conversation which begins at 33:30 here on Town Hall Streams.
Subsequently, below is a list of quotes from the OGCMA regarding the proposed pier reconstruction, each of which is further evidence of the OGCMA’s true intentions in their chosen design for the Pier. Quotes have been separated into three sections:
Quotes issued during the fundraising phase (pre-announcement of pier restoration project).
Quotes from the July 26, 2022 announcement of the OGCMA's plan to rebuild the pier.
Quotes issued after the July 26 announcement (as part of the OGCMA's response to public objections to the OGCMA’s religious intentions).
Key to Quotes
Bold quoted text is evidence of religious intent.
Underline quoted text suggests support for Christian Nationalism, according to Christians Against Christian Nationalism.
Color indicates Neptune United’s concern.
1. Evidence from OGCMA Fundraising Phase (prior to July 2022):
The OGCMA launched a capital campaign to raise funds to rebuild the pier, called the American Treasure Campaign. The following quotes are from that campaign, and can all be found here.
“Many have come before us who dared greatly and gave their time, talent and treasure to lay a foundation for Ocean Grove that has withstood natural disasters, economic hardship and cultural change.”
It’s alarming to see the OGCMA refer to cultural change as being a challenge similar to a natural disaster.
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly… I am convinced that authentic faith believes before it sees, that loves wholeheartedly, is fearless about the future and willingly acknowledges that God is in control… To reach [our] goal, it will take all of us standing shoulder to shoulder to encourage one another when risk is taken; for defense when the enemy attacks…”
What does a Pier fundraiser have to do with “defense when the enemy attacks?” What “defense” does the OGCMA plan to use? Who is the “enemy?”
“At the April board meeting the commitment cards were passed out in faith that God had spoken clearly to each of us. The tension was actually palpable as the amount was totaled and we waited to see God at work... We stood shoulder to shoulder that day to demonstrate our commitment to the future of Ocean Grove. As a board we committed to 22% of the total goal. God does not ask us to all give equally, but He does ask us all for equal sacrifice. History will judge these leaders as ones who prayed greatly, gave greatly and dared greatly. This is what leadership looks like from the floor of the arena."
"AMERICAN TREASURE campaign will significantly invest in the most important hallmarks of Ocean Grove. Not only will the campaign preserve the rich heritage of our past, it will advance our mission into the future."
The OGCMA has a well established history of discrimination, which is not something that would benefit our community by advancing into the future.
2. Evidence from the July 26, 2022 Announcement of the OGCMA's Plan to Rebuild the Pier:
On July 26, 2022, the OGCMA announced it would be reconstructing the Pier (but did not unveil the actual plans) in an article in the Coaster titled, “Iconic Ocean Grove Fishing Pier Will Be Rebuilt, Plans Unveiled July 30.” The following quotes are from that July 26 initial announcement:
“Ocean Grove is God’s masterpiece because of the generous and wonderful people who combined their efforts and money to restore what was damaged by storms and to work for an even better future.” - Michael Badger, President, OGCMA
“The American Treasure Capital Campaign held at its core the fundamental belief that God has a thriving future planned for the ministry of historic Ocean Grove and our best days are ahead of us. For three years our donors and the OGCMA Board of Trustees faithfully gave, watching their gifts fulfill the campaign’s goals, so the next generation can experience spiritual birth, growth and renewal.“
According to the advocacy group “Christians Against Christian Nationalism” use of the phrase “God’s plans” or a variation thereof, is a phrase researchers look for in identifying Christian Nationalism.
“The invitation Posted by the OGCMA for the July 30, 2022 “unveil[ing]” included the hashtag: “JUSTSAYJESUS.” Invitation available at: https://americantreasure.org/
3. Evidence from NY Post – July 30, 2022 (Some of which are the OGCMA's response to recent public opposition to the pier)
“The Christian interpretation of the cross is that it is a symbol of God’s love and forgiveness. It is disappointing that anyone would seek to block a sacred symbol on private property from public view regardless of whether you interpret the shape as a pier, a plus sign, or cross."– Michael Badger, President, OGCMA, to the NY Post, August 27, 2022, available here:
“We make no apology for that, we love the fact that it looks like a cross. This is a religious town founded as such in Ocean Grove and most people are excited we will be able to have this pier shaped this way for these purposes."– Jamie Jackson, FORMER Executive Director and COO, OGCMA to Channel 12 News, August 23, 2022, available here:
According to the U.S. and New Jersey State Constitutions, a town cannot be “religious.” While the residents of a town or municipality may be religious, the town itself cannot be given such a classification.
