Jersey Shore pier in shape of cross in deeply religious town raises concerns

A beach pier in Ocean Grove destroyed during Superstorm Sandy is being rebuilt by a local religious organization, but the new shape has some residents concerned it too closely resembles a cross.

They claim the design is "functional," but for the tip-off to their real motive, read the last paragraph of he story at the link, posted below. There is a rendering of the shape of the pier at the link.

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“Once this pier is built like a cross, I believe that will be the point of a no return,” Martins said. “To say that (cross-shaped pier) doesn’t represent Christian nationalism — anyone who says that isn’t being honest.”

The complete pier will be accessible to the public and it will not include any exclusive, membership-only component, said Badger.

Construction will begin the week of Sept. 12, according to the Camp Meeting Association. This is not the first time the Methodist group has faced secular and LGBTQ+ complaints.

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Link to story at Star Ledger's nj.com.