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Hate is easy, love and understanding take courage. If human lives are all equal in Gods eyes,then it is time for some to take off the blindfolds.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are guaranteed rights of all citizens as per the Constitution, with no regard to race, creed or sexual orientation. Let God judge each of us at the pearly gates -- there is no need to do His work for Him.
Mary Beth Jahn - Neptune, NJ
Discrimination on any level is unacceptable.
jeff york - fort lauderdale , FL
As a member of a same gender marriage inMassachusetts, I support the right of
all loving couples to enjoy the same benefits as my husband and I have.
Fred Riley - Lowell, MA
Equality for all.
Mr Emile Dufour - Lowell, MA
I have left my summer rental in Ocean Grove. I have one HRC flag to donate to anyone in OG who needs one as I cannot hang it where I live. Please contact me by email at BAMisback07@aol.com
barbara muzychka - Neptune, NJ
Our weekend/potential retirement home is 89 Mt Tabor Way, Ocean Grove. We are members of the OG Home Owners Association.
It is our hope and wish that the HOA support full civil rights for all human beings.
We are all God's children.
thank you.
Ed and Judy Kubliski
Judy and Ed Kubliski - Mountain Lakes, NJ
This should not even be an issue. For shame on OGHOA.
Rose Ann Mendes - Ocean Grove, NJ
I am appalled at the CLOSED doors
ClOSED hearts
CLOSED minds
of the association. Legally and morally wrong . They had a golden opportunity to show inclusive love as Jesus and Wesley would have done and instead show discrimation disguised as religion
penny dittman - spotswood, NJ
I attended a civil union in your town on Sunday and it was so moving to watch two close friends have their loved ones on the beach with them. In one direction we saw the beautiful ocean and in the other, a sea of HRC flags. Awesome work Ocean Grove United!! I hope to see many have their cermonies on the pavilion should they so choose.
Selena Formola - Woodbridge, NJ
The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association may not like it, and they may not agree with it, but the cold, hard, "scary" fact is...that the state of NJ has given same sex couples some basic civil rights that they have been deserving of for a very long time.
I am not from this community, but reading about the large numbers of gays and lesbians that have for decades, felt as though they were part of the community in Ocean Grove, and are now feeling shunned, is just sad. These are people that have brought businesses to the community and pay taxes just like everyone else.
It amazes and sickens me daily, to see the overwhelming amount of discrimination that is still allowed to continue towards people, and with no real reason, other than the fact that they don't love the "right" and "proper" person in someone else's eyes.
Unfortunatley for the members of the OGCMA, the only thing that matters now is that these members of Ocean Grove, who were denied the same rights as others, have had their civil rights violated, and now the decision of whether or not they will be allowed to hold their civil unions under their precious pavilion will hopefully not be made by them!
Deborah Mast. - Williamstown, NJ
I am in FULL SUPPORT of your efforts to achieve EQUALITY for ALL PERSONS.
Judith L Englerth - Berwyn, PA and Ocean Grove, NJ
it's 2007 people, love is love!
Carly/Jessica Balsamo - Ocean Grove, NJ
There is no basis for singling out gays and lesbians and prohibiting only their unions. What other groups are prohibited? Other people who do not follow Methodist or even Christian marriage rituals are allowed. I don’t think that Buddhist, Hindus or any other group would be denied the right although they do not follow the same religious and marriage rituals. It’s just prejudice.
Mark Tyler - Asbury Park, NJ
What can one say but that Equal is Equal?
Richard Schlossbach - Ocean Grove, NJ
On Monday, you all did a great job in presenting the facts and opening up a reasonable discussion that the OGCMA needs to really consider in their hearts not their heads. Though not a church affiliated person I believe the teachings of Christ and the basis of all spirituality, Christianity included, comes down to two words..."Unconditional Love" and that's without ifs, buts and according tos. Hopefully they will look into their faith and though it may be a new and radical way of thinking, as were the teachings of Christ, they will see the true path in their faith and ministry.
Keep up the good work
Richard Schlossbach - Ocean Grove, NJ
Stop hiding your prejudice behind the VEIL of religion!! You should be ashamed of yourselves!
Tess Couture - Wallington, NJ
I have been a member of the First United Methodist Church of Freehold for 41 years. Throughout my life, I have been proud of my denomination and touted its practices to friends who, I believe, respected my devotion. I always take tourists/visitors to Ocean Grove and instruct them of its Methodist history. I remember the half-way houses that diminished the quality of life in the town that only turned around when the gay-lesbian community invested in Ocean Grove.
I remember when the no-cars edict was overturned & the Methodist Homes were opened to those outside our denomination because it accepted Federal funds. You cannot have it both ways. If you accept "state" funding, you must accept the laws of the state.
The Methodist Relay and the District Bishop have recently stressed diversity and support for the oppressed. And, the OGCMA responds by making civil unions a Federal case.
I have never been so embarrassed by my faith. I will no longer support businesses in Ocean Grove or any activities held there.
I have read the Book of Discipline and the passages quoted for the OGCMA position. Perhaps it's time to amend the Book of Discipline.
What would Jesus do?
Luanne Kip - Point Pleasant, NJ
I'm a lesbian woman in my 50's who vacations to Ocean Grove every year because I love it's charm. I also drive up often on weekends throughout the year for dinner and to stroll in and out of the many shops on Main Street. It would disappoint me greatly and change my perception of Ocean City as a diverse community if Civil Union aren't allowed to be held at the pavillion. The Camp Meeting Association must not realize how much the GLBT community supports and financially contributes to the wellbeing of Ocean Grove. Please allow civil unions at the pavillion and don't make me have to stop visiting lovely Ocean Grove.
Mary Wilson - Somers Point, NJ
What happened to the Methodist commitment to “open hearts, open minds, open doors”? The United Methodist church, on its website www.UnitedMethodist.org, states: “We come from every cultural background and socioeconomic level…the Church encourages us to think for ourselves, so we don’t necessarily share the same opinions about every faith issue or social concern… We aren’t striving to be all the same… We aren’t afraid to tackle the tough issues: racism, poverty, human rights, human sexuality…gender equality... Social advocacy and action have been part of our church since it began…” God loves each of His children as if s/he was the Only One. The time has come for the church to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk! - AnnLynne Benson & Mil LeCompte, Centenary United Methodist Church, Berlin, NJ
AnnLynne Benson & Mil LeCompte - Berlin, NJ
I have been renting in Ocean Grove for the past 2 summers. It is a wonderful community that has prospered in large part to the gay & lesbian community that has restored homes, built businesses and taken pride of ownership. I proudly support them in this important cause.
Laura Sigman - Hoboken, NJ
You have my full support. Does your 'Camp meeting assoc.' realize they are becoming the laughing stock of this years 'heat season'?
I say civil disobedience is the perfect answer. Just go do it. Would they arrest you for what trespassing on public property? (it must be if they receive federal funds.) Have all the cameras ready to roll and go for it.
Linda Mendoza MD - Chico, CA
Isn't it about time we stop the hate and let people who love each just be? It's 2007 not 1807. We all deserve to be treated EQUALLY!!!
Joe Leo - Cranford, NJ
A comment to all of the homeowners-
Although the OGHOA board is citing that this issue is out of the boundaries of their bylaws, Roberts Rules CLEARLY states on page 108 of the newly revised 10th edition that: "A main motion that proposes action outside the scope of the organization's object as defined in the bylaws or corporate charter is out of order unless the assembly by a two-thirds vote authorizes its introduction."
When the parliamentarian quotes from the rules, she won't tell you that part. Take back your homeowners organization! It belongs to the people, not the board.
- Ann McCarthy Ocean Grove NJ, NJ
As a lesbian who has lived in Ocean Grove for the past 11 years, it saddens and angers me that the Camp Meeting Association has decided to try to beat down the group of people who are responsible for helping to lift up this community that was in need. My G-D does not discriminate.
Go Harriet and Luisa. We love you both and are supporting you from out here in the great Pacific NW! Wish we could be at your ceremony in the pavilion!
Kate (and Andrea, Gabe and Sophie)
Kate Slott - Portland, OR
Harriet and Luisa:
Thank you for being brave in the face of discrimination. The time is right. The cause is right. We all support you and want to see your union celebrated in the place you call home.
Andrea Bowen - Portland, OR
These comments below from a father about his daughter ought touch all who read them, regardless of where they stand on Civil Unions in Ocean Grove. First, we must applaud a father who has not allowed his daughter's sexual orientation to either exclude her from her family nor "blind" him to her "wisdom". Second, even as I as a retired United Methodist clergyperson still have affection for the denomination of my birth, I have watched my denomination damage itself by its practice of discrimination. Once it discriminated against African Americans by placing most of them and their churches in a racially segregated Central Jurisdiction that was not eliminated until 1968. The denomination for many years denied ordination to women, yet in time it saw the folly of that denial and today in the Council of Bishops, the office of District Superintendent, and as Pastors of local churches, women provide significant leadership. It is through the "speaking out" of fathers like this father that other fathers and mothers of children who are Lesbians and who are Gay men in the United Methodist Church will stand up and be counted. I cannot believe that the sense of fair play and commitment to equality that I know is present within so many of the residents of Ocean Grove, will allow the leaders of the Camp Meeting Board to continue to deny Civil Unions. They are now legal in New Jersey and there is no logical or other reason why they should not be performed in the "public places" of the beautiful and unique community of Ocean Grove.
Gil Caldwell, Retired Untd Mthdst Mnistr - Asbury Park, NJ
As the father of a daughter who was raised in the Methodist Church, and as a member still of that Methodist Church, I wish to register the strongest possible objection to the Church being so narrow minded, and discriminating against ANY group of HUMAN BEINGS. Yes, my daughter is a lesbian, and absolutely nothing has changed in her beliefs learned through the church as a child growing up. However, I believe she now transcends the church, because she allows no discriminatory thoughts or actions to enter into her dealings with other people. She is the same beautiful, intelligent and caring person she was when she was 8 years old. She is now 33 and has shown more wisdom in those few years than the Methodist Church has shown in its entire history.
Gene Graham - Cedar Falls, IA
May we be united everywhere!
The OGHOA is a respected, sovereign, entity within the community and should speak up in the most public manner that reflects the majority of OGHOA members. This is no time to get mired in the minutiae of internal debates. Speak up loudly and clearly to all who will listen.
Cate Poole - Ocean Grove, NJ
I do believe that civil rights for all is essential to the continued health of the Ocean Grove community. Therefore my position is that passing a resolution in support of civil rights in the use of public facilities is fine but the position must be made known. If the position is merely taken but there is no effort to communicate it, the action is not effective at all. Who knows about the resolution if it is not communicated?
Phyllis A. Truran - Ocean Grove, NJ
As a former Ocean Grove citizen, I am appalled by the banning of of same-sex couples from having civil union ceremonies in Ocean Grove. The free and open spirit of the community is why I chose to live in the town in the first place, and this open violation of civil rights is simply shameful.
Cathy Finney - Washington, DC
Looking positively at the right to civil unions is just one example of the opportunities offered us as we enter the new age of inclusiveness and interconnectedness. We are all one family.
David Hauenstein - Fort Myers, FL
As a member of the OGHOA I would like to see the OGHOA support the motion above effective immediatley!
Ron Rudolph - Ocean Grove, NJ
I wholeheartedly support the OGHOA in its support of the civil rights of all residents and visitors of Ocean Grove and the use of public facilities for Civil Unions.
Kevin Healy - Ocean Grove, NJ
I don't believe in discrimination. The Boardwalk Pavilion is a public place, not a church. It is horrible that this lesbian couple was denied the right to have a civil union ceremony. I hope very much that Ocean Grove United, Garden State Equality, and the Human Rights Campaign win their case and justice prevails while bigotry and homophobic hatred loses.
stephen hanft - gillette, NJ
As a member of OGHOA, and a 20-year resident, I am terribly disappointed in the stance of the OGCMA. Their position promotes intolerance and divisiveness in the OG community.
Leslie Bridge - Ocean Grove, NJ
Harriet and Luisa are making history. Their unselfish dedication to justice and fairness is a crusade that tens of thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people will benefit from for years to come. There are no words to express my appreciation and admiration.
Stay the course, gals, and know you are not alone.
Susan M. Bisaha - Asbury Park, NJ
Ocean Grove as a community can only be damaged by this clearly biased action of banning gays and lesbians from using the pavilion for a ceremony which is honored by all as an act of love and committment.
cheryl Soback - Ocean Grove, OH
We are proud to be associated with OGU and with its cause of equalilty for all people.Our HRC flag flies high here in Asbury Park for Harriet and Luisa, Jan and Emily.
Tom Pivinski and Malcolm Navias - Asbury Park, NJ
nobody has asked any methodist minister from the CMA to perform a "civil union;" yet they are trying to make this into a religious issue, when it is only about homeowners in ocean grove who are of the "general public" using (renting) spaces that they (the CMA) have rented to other non-methodists (and non-ocean grove residents to boot,) in the past - it is bigotry clear and simple!
MIck Hale - Ocean Grove, NJ
Seeing the Camp Meeting Association - which claims an association with the moderate, compassionate Methodist Church I attended for so many years - ally themselves with a radical hate group like the Alliance Defense Fund just boggles my mind.
Peter Bergin - Cheshire, OR
I have always enjoyed my summer visits to Ocean Grove and the time I've spent there among friends ... and fully support the residents and home owners of this unique and special community in their fight for equality and opposition to bigotry.
Jim Schiefelbein - Chicago, IL
I am a 6th generation summer resident of Ocean Grove - my children are the 7th generation. I raise them to be tolerant and non-judgemental. Although I am not gay, many of my closest friends are, and I am passionate about their entitlement to the same rights I enjoy. I am shocked that there are more than 1000 rights I enjoy that same-sex couples cannot.
With respect to the OGCMA's position to deny civil unions between same-sex couples in Ocean Grove, I am outraged. The fact that they do so under the auspices of religious beliefs is even more egregious.
I refuse to financially support the OGCMA because of their position, and am encouraging anyone and everyone I know to do the same. I formerly thought that financial contributions to the OGCMA were used to the glory of God's will and work. I was mistaken.
Nina Blood Koridek - Ocean Grove and Stirling, New, NJ
Equal rights are for ALL Americans regardless of ones beliefs, religion or biases. AMEN!
Ann Wanschura - Freehold (formerly Ocean Grove), NJ
This is an absolute outrage! The Camp meeting will lose this fight and may just lose more than they bargained for.....
John Riley - Ocean Grove, NJ
