Christian Nationalism
For an overview on Christian Nationalism, click here for the Wikipedia entry.
And here’s how ChristianityToday.com defines Christian Nationalism.
Evidence of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association’s (OGCMA) Christian Nationalism leanings have become clear over the last year, and in recent months fall into three separate sections:
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) Fundraising phase (pre-announcement of pier restoration project).
July 26, 2022 announcement of the OGCMA's plan to rebuild the pier.
In August 2022, as part of the OGCMA's response to public outcry.
Bold in quoted text evidences religious intent.
Underline in quoted text suggests support for Christian Nationalism, according to Christians Against Christian Nationalism.
The OGCMA launched a capital campaign to raise funds to rebuild the pier, which is called the American Treasure Campaign. The following quotes are from that campaign:
1. Evidence from OGCMA Fundraising Phase (prior to July 2022):
“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. To answer the question – what will it take for An American Treasure campaign to be successful – it boils down to one thing – giving greatly.”
– American Treasure Campaign, from: https://americantreasure.org/why-give/“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. You and I will most likely never be called upon to fight an evil Emperor or restore a nation, but I do believe we have been called upon to lean fearlessly into authentic faith. 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. The American Treasure campaign offers those of us who love Ocean Grove’s ministry a chance to demonstrate authentic faith. The campaign goal of $1.5 million is a big one – no question. To reach that 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; to celebrate success when the goal is reached; and for generosity to inspire greatness.”
- Catherine Harrison, American Treasure Campaign Chairwoman, from: https://americantreasure.org/in-the-arena/
“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, available at: https://americantreasure.org/what-leadership-looks-like/
"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."
– American Treasure Campaign, available at: https://americantreasure.org/why-give/
2. Evidence from July 26, 2022 Announcement of the OGCMA's Plan to Rebuild the Pier:
“ ‘The Camp Meeting Association invites the entire Ocean Grove community to celebrate the success of the American Treasure Campaign,' Badger said. 'The ‘All In’ event is open to everyone. 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.' ATC Chair and OGCMA Trustee Catherine Harrison said that “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.’ “
- “Iconic Ocean Grove Fishing Pier Will Be Rebuilt, Plans Unveiled July 30,” The Coaster, available at: https://thecoaster.net/2022/07/26/iconic-ocean-grove-fishing-pier-will-be-rebuilt-plans-unveiled-july-30/
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 at: https://nypost.com/2022/08/27/critics-supporters-argue-over-cross-shaped-new-jersey-pier/
“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 at: https://bronx.news12.com/ocean-grove-man-expresses-concerns-over-new-pier-that-would-resemble-a-cross
MSNBC Report, “Christian Nationalism is on the Rise” by Ayman Mohyeldin, July 29, 2022, 13:46 minutes.
