The construction of a cross-shaped pier on a public beach by a Christian special interest group has sparked outrage among residents. Many Jersey Shore residents are furious that they may be forced into unwanted Christian worship due to the design of the pier. The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, responsible for the pier’s construction, defends their decision, but the public outcry continues.
The association claims that they “make no apology” for designing the pier to resemble a cross, expressing their love for its appearance. The initial pier in Ocean Grove was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Motivated by religious convictions, the group aimed to resurrect their Christian ideals through the construction of a cross-shaped pier accessible to the public.
The privately-funded pier, spanning 500 feet, did not have to go through an official approval process as it was financed with secret or dark money. This allowed them to bypass the first amendment and bring their Christian values closer to state affairs in New Jersey. Critics argue that the construction of this $1.3 million pier amounts to “Christian bullying,” urging state and local officials to intervene before its completion on December 7, 2022.
Presbyterian Pastor Douglas Grote, referring to the pier as a pathetic example of “Christian bullying,” fears that the prominence of the cross may impede the cultural life of Ocean Grove, Asbury Park, and the whole of New Jersey. He believes that any political power that coerces secular citizens into accepting a sectarian symbol violates human rights. Pastor Grote intends to address the issue at the upcoming Ocean Grove Home Owners Association meeting on September 24, 2022. He plans to propose a vote to halt the pier’s construction until further investigations and consultations with the citizenry take place, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes.
The controversy surrounding the cross-shaped pier has ignited a passionate debate between supporters and opponents. The future of the pier remains uncertain, with opposing groups utilizing their government power in an attempt to hinder its progress. As tensions rise, the fate of this structure will likely depend on the outcome of ongoing discussions and democratic principles.
