The mayor of Toms River, New Jersey, says he has a plan to revitalize the town’s riverfront and to create a new park for local families who live nearby. He’s found the perfect spot— three underused marinas and a large parcel of land with a great parking lot.
There’s just one problem. A local Episcopal church sits on the 11-acre property and has no interest in selling. Instead, church leaders want to build a shelter for the homeless on the property to expand their ministry in the community.
Mayor Daniel Rodrick, a Republican, said God would approve of his plan.
“There’s a real need for the local residents up in those neighborhoods to be able to walk somewhere and put their kids on a swing,” said Rodrick in a recent phone interview. “I just think it’s a very positive thing. And I believe Christ would agree.”
True, you all actually benefit your community. When the schism happened in the Methodists church near me, all the homophobes left the United Church. I was happy to see the United Church put up a billboard near me that wasn’t some Catholic anti-abortion nonsense; it was a message about how hate divides us and love unites us. I am no religious man, but I appreciate the ones who want to make society a better place for everyone.