Urge the Sub-Executive of United Church, Toronto Conference to reject the recommendations of the Conference Interview Committee Re: Gretta Vosper

A clergy in the UCC, even on ordination I, and other feminists were not able to declare our faith in the language required. Today I too would be classified an a-theist but hold a power filled faith in an implicate intelligence in the Universe. This is not a petition about Gretta Vosper. I am signing for all those who are part of an evolution of consciousness and language in these times. In the pulpit and in the pew.

This whole process is flawed. There are many other clergy who share her beliefs. Are we going to get rid of them all? What Gretta is preaching will save the church. We need more like her.

I certainly think it is a flawed process. The church can do better for all.

If Gretta is disciplined it will be the gravest, most un-Christ-like action the U.C.of C.. has ever undertaken. This is 2016!!!

It's time for the United Church of Canada and all of Christianity to move into the 21st century.

It is a time for open conversations not punitive actions.

The United Church needs to broaden its scope if it hopes to remain a viable organization.

narrow minded - isnt the united church losing far too many followers. Forcing this congregation to leave is short sighted!

Get past that word 'atheist'. I would hate to be in a church where the minister still believes in a 'sky-god'. This is a fight over words not over mission.

I feel very strongly that Gretta be allowed to continue her ministry.

Gretta is a very effective leader. She inspires people. She respects people with different opinions. Her congregation loves her and in my opinion, the Church needs her.

She is a pioneer for many of us.

The people asking for reconsideration have immense credibility, and it would appear unwise to ignore their request. Inspirato, Kim

For the United Church to embrace our future generations we must embrace the spirit within us! To cast out the forward thinkers within our community is to live in the past.

Gretta has enabled so many thinking Christians to find a way of being Christian without having to subscribe to ancient supernatural beliefs.

my best hopes and prayers are with all who have been impacted by this conversation and trust that loving wisdom will be exercised on behalf of our church.

I am not a member of the United Church but I have deeply appreciated the fact that Gretta Vosper provided a way for open dialogue within the Christian community and I thought the United Church was bigger than this.

As a long time member of the United Church I meet now only with a group of thinkers outside the Church for the freedom of exploring new ways of experiencing community. I am concerned about the process so far for the future of the Church which I still love.

I attended and was very involved in Princess St. United Church in Kingston for 25 years before moving to the Anglican Church, for family reasons. I find that most of the people in the pews are "seekers" , searching for truth and enlightenment. It seems to be the best path to follow is to gather with others in their own voyage of discovery. Many mainstream churches criticize the more fundamental sects, branding them as being "too rigid" or dogmatic and calling for more "openness " and dialogue as their numbers increase and the traditional churches face declining numbers. Although I have never met Rev. Vosper, her struggles with faith mirror my own. There are many questions and all who call, or even consider themselves Christians, have doubts. It seems sad that a person who is prepared to lead others in their spiritual journey by being open about their own doubts contributes to opportunities for discussion and discovery. It seems that this is a time to avoid the dogma of our corporate institutions and engage in a true examination of our faith, or lack thereof. The digital age has created unprecedented avenues for discussion that will be to the benefit of all. I do not believe that the proposed action is appropriate. To some, it may be a demonstration of strength to take this action, to others it is not only an opportunity for discussion but a sign that "more than Christians are welcome to enter here. I wonder if each individual minister licensed by the United Church had their own faith subject to such scrutiny, whether Rev. Vosper may find herself with company.

As a person who started adulthood teaching Sunday School, and left the church because of the hypocracy, it is great to see a spiritual leader I could actually accept as valid.