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

As a non-theist Christian I have been inspired and encouraged by Gretta Vosper. She has so much to offer the people of this denomination - of this world - who search deeply for their spiritual meaning - their meaning as compassionate , deeply connecting, merciful people who are inspired by the pathway of living coming from of Jesus' wisdom. This group of United Church members is large; we all face the rejection of our experience, insight, thoughtfulness and commitments if the UCC decides Gretta Vosper cannot be the pastor that, in fact, she is to so many of us.

The decision to revoke Vosper's ordination tell all clergy that once they have affirmed their ordination questions, they are not permitted to think, learn, grow, or change throughout the rest of their ministry. Jim Taylor

While I do not fully agree with Gretta's (non)theology, I believe to proceed with the Conference recommendation would be a grave mistake for the United Church. How many more ministers will be faced with a similar process for their beliefs?

Please keep a place for Greta Vosper in the United Church. In an era when congregations are dimishing, is it not essential to welcome all people to a congregation who are interested on belonging? Doesn't "united" imply inclusivity and the bringing together of different elements, rather than exclusivity and one acceptable view only?

Keep the dialogue open. There are many clergy who share these questions and Gretta just happens to be openly honest about them. By banning her from the clergy, you will create a dishonest dialogue with clergy and the UCC as well as with the congregations. You should reserve excommunication-like moves for illegal and immoral actions such as clergy child abuse. The United Church of Canada used to be on the leading edge in the 20th century, and now it is a conservative backward leaning entity with smaller and aging congregations as a result.

penalizing for open honesty is just wrong

I left the church years ago due to the rhetoric that was preached. After finding out about Gretta I would consider coming back to the church just to listen to her sermon and see what she had to say. I think she is a breath of fresh air for those who have found the dogma of "traditional" religion somewhat suffocating and irrelevant. I would love to hear her speak.

I have only met Greta online & through her books. I have read what BIshop Spong says about her & as a result about our church. Her books make sense to me with some differences of opinion, I also differ with other ministers of the United Church, but still respect their point of view & contribution to the tapestry which we build so beautifully, at our best. I am shocked by the injustice of this action. It is not who we are. Open Wide the circle, If this goes through how many more of our finest ministers will be at risk?

Nearly 70 years ago I was baptized in the United Church. When I was about 10 years old, my family left the church because the minister was dismissed after he was seen having a social drink (alcohol) in public. My father said he had no desire to associate with a bunch of hypocrites.. It seems to me that nothing much has changed in the past 60 years. The World Wide Web has offered us information that other generations have never had, including the fact that most ministers KNOW the Christian Myth is just that, a myth, but continue to act as though they don't, leading countless more gullible souls down the path of lies and untruths.. For what? I call myself an atheist as well as a 'cultural' Christian, and Greta's teachings suit me perfectly. At long last I have found someone who speaks honestly and makes me feel good about who I am and what I believe. And what's happening? She's being dismissed just like the minister back in the 1950's who put alcohol to his lips! Please think this over. Many of us NEED people like Greta. Thank you.

My United Church includes Gretta Vosper

Gretta teaches love, kindness, and respect. Isn't that primarily what we are about, with or without God? She has a congregation willing to support her financially. I'm in favour of her staying.

I have known Gretta for many years and, even though I have frequently differed with her, I support her right to continue challenging church systems and encourage others to support her too. Wayne Holst

This is a message to ministers that they cannot preach outside the box without consequences. What is more important , our actions or our beliefs.? We loose relevance when we shut down conversations because they are uncomfortable.

I feel that United Church members have the right to consider the beliefs that Gretta Vosper represents in their search for meaning in a world where we now know so much more about our origins and the development of the universe.

I am saddened by the attitude of the United Church, I always appreciated the openness of the U/C. Many of us are debating the doctrine, we want to be open to new thoughts, Greta gives us this opportunity.

Vosper is a voice that needs to be heard.. Whether you agree with her or not.. She provokes our thoughts & values. Questioning ourselves, our policies, our beliefs, and our doctrine is healthy.. Otherwise we become stale, obsolete & meaningless in this everchanging world.., and lose all our young people... Sound familiar??

We need to broaden our religious perspectives and question always.. that is how we gain spiritual insight.

I agree that a minister of the united church of Canada should be able to preach and teach an updated model of understanding god and divinity in this 21st century world : it is not as though these models were invented by Gretta either. A model that emphasizes how we behave rather than our ideology is far preferred by me.

We need to be widening the tent and encouraging questioning and debate not shutting it done. Effective ministry in the UCC was never about conformity to an orthodox position. Shameful.

Diaconal Minister with the United Church of Canada. These conversations have encouraged each of us to articulate our theology and understanding. These conversations are good for the church.