Ocean Grove Church. Photo from OGCMA press release.
The OGCMA press release says that this year’s Grand Marshal is the “Ocean Grove Beach Church.” This group offers “worship services every Sunday at 10:30 am at the Beach Pavilion right on the boardwalk. ”
Typical Grand Marshal honorees have included World War II or Vietnam veterans, Presidents, or leaders who have provided outstanding service to the community.
Independence Day is an American holiday. Its themes are for all of us to celebrate.
This choice of marshal indicates that the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is tone-deaf (defined as “unable to appreciate or understand the concerns or difficulties of others; out-of-touch.”)
The OG Beach Church is tied into St. Paul’s Church and the CMA, so how does this honoree link to all the people of Ocean Grove?
According to the CMA, this honor is given because “the OGBC breathes new life into old traditions.” Is this reason to single out this church as Ocean Grove’s July 4 Parade Marshal? This honoree does not represent accomplishment on behalf of the entire community of OG or to America.
If the CMA wants to cement good relations with the rest of Ocean Grove, then this is a mistake.
Perhaps this means that it is time for the Mother Ship to take over on behalf of all the citizens of Neptune and encourage the rest of the Township to join us.
Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net
EMMY ROSSUM:
How will the OG gay community feel about this honor? You may recall that the CMA was found guilty of discrimination against them in 2007, and the Beach Church is associated with the CMA.
This is what the CMA web site says about the Beach Church: “The service is sponsored by The Ocean Grove Church at St. Paul’s and the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.”
And, presumably, the Beach Church preaches conservative Methodist ideology.
So any honor for the Beach Church is an honor for its parents: CMA and St. Paul’s.
“As ye sow so shall ye reap.” (New Testament)—So no July 4 honors for any of them.
NOTE: Ms. Dousis sent us a detailed review of how tolerant the CMA has been during its 152 years. But no one in this conversation is promoting naming the CMA as marshal for the parade.
And there is no need now to re-discuss the 2007 matter in detail other then to mention it. We covered that story for Blogfinger and we could not get anyone to defend the CMA’s position.
Here is a part of what Ms Dousis said that is relevant:
“St. Paul’s and Ocean Grove Beach Church are one and the same as is clear to all who attend. Additionally why shouldn’t the CMA be able to celebrate the history of the town? Up until 1980 when the State Supreme Court made us disband and become part of Neptune township we functioned for over 100 years honoring our heritage.”
Editor’s note: I agree that the CMA “should be able to celebrate the history of the town.”
But they should not qualify to run a July 4 parade if they are guilty of discrimination. You should review what happened in 2007.
In addition, the CMA ordinarily shows little interest in the town’s history. The CMA doesn’t even have a historian for their organization. —PG
Nowhere in the CMA press release about this topic is St. Paul’s mentioned.
St Paul’s is celebrating their 150th anniversary this year and it right that they be honored for their commitment to Ocean Grove