Asbury Park. June 4, 2023. Church of the Sacred Heart. S. Plainfield. Paul Goldfinger photograph. Blogfinger.net. Click once on image to enlarge it.
By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor Blogfinger.net. Ocean Grove, 6/4/23. (Latest Pride Parade will be on June 2, 2024. Cookman Avenue. NOON)
The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is not a church, but it is a religious organization that follows the tenets of the Methodist Church.
It is true that some Christian churches and groups are not supportive of homosexuality, and in the case of the CMA, there have been complaints about speakers in the Great Auditorium, about the theology followed by the CMA, and about attitudes towards LGBT citizens in the Grove.
But looking at the group above in the parade, there are variations in religious policies regarding the LGBT community, and we can’t generalize.
Supposedly the CMA belongs to the conservative wing of Methodism which has specific rules regarding choosing ministers, welcoming LGBT members and visitors, and weddings.
But even if some religious groups follow such “conservative” rules, it doesn’t mean that gays would be treated badly by them.
Kindness and inclusiveness towards LGBT seems to be what Michael Badger. (CMA President) is advocating.
I have personally heard a few persons in the Grove attempt to associate the CMA with homophobic “right wing” evangelical groups, but there is no evidence which we have seen regarding such associations here .
The CMA has tried in the past to have a good relationship with the gay community in the Grove, but that initiative has been weakened lately.
Any assertions about the CMA must be sorted out in town by citizens who will be fair and and who will seek truth and justice, not by one-sided “forums” organized by the HOA. And hopefully the CMA will be more open and informative as it explains itself in town and in the press.
The President of the HOA wasn’t helpful last week with his finger-pointing style.
Here is a link to the CMA website regarding their beliefs obtained 5/31/24.
BILL FRISELL:
“When you wish upon a starAs dreamers doLike a bolt out of the blueFate steps in and sees you through.”
Very good point Kevin.
Just because someone makes a complaint, it doesn’t mean their complaint carries weight or that the complainer is on the right side. There are many that fabricate what they see as an abuse just for attention and are happy with their imaginary abuses so they can continue to receive attention.