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

If Gretta Vosper is removed as a minister in the United Church, the United Church leadership is sending a very threatening message to members that it is not acceptable to explore the difficult questions of faith and come to new viewpoints at various points in one's lifetime. I don't know what my vows of Confirmation stated when I was 12 years old, but I am pretty sure that my viewpoint is different at the age of 46! That is what growth is all about, and growth should be embraced, not shunned and pushed out. The United Church has always been a place that allowed and encouraged doubts, not a place of blind faith. It is time to examine the stated beliefs of the Church, and promises that are made at Baptism and Confirmation, as well as those made by those seeking Ordination, to ensure that they are inclusive of an ever-evolving faith. Ousting Gretta Vosper could be the beginning of the end for many United Church members and who does it really serve for our Church to be split yet again??? If the United Church does not evolve, it will die and that will be very sad. I wish Gretta Vosper courage in this trying experience, and I wish courage for the Committee making this decision: be bold - be radical like Jesus was - find a way to move forward together, rather than to divide people.

This action,if allowed to go forward, will cause turmoil equal to the 1988 divide.

Ironically, the Sunday after the announcement of the Conference Interview Committee, out opening song at Sunday Worship was "Draw The Circle Wide".

Doctrine is written by man, it can very well be flawed. I believe how we treat our fellow man is far more important than blind belief in facts that cannot be proven.

She a leader of the future

I have found a level of spiritual comfort in my life because of people like Gretta Vosper. I also attend a very forward thinking church in Edmonton which gives me a level freedom to think and associate with like minded people. When people such as Bishop Spong warn us off this decision we all need to take note!

I wholeheartedly agree with the views of Greta Vosper

While I believe that the participants did their task faithfully, I agree that the premise and process is flawed. My UCC is big enough to include West Hill United Church and Gretta Vosper.

The recommendations of the Conference Review Committee are directing the United Church of Canada in a radically wrong direction.

As a therapist working with victims of Sexual Abuse, I had lost all faith in so many other church organizations that seem to want to care. I've begged for support for my clients who have suffered from the the result of "man's and woman's inhumanity to men and women". As a young university student many many years ago I attended the United Church. I found it open, encouraging, supportive of diversity and differences. This year I went to West Hill and found that place again. A place that values love, caring, justice. I leave every Sunday feeling inspired and a new hope for human kind. A hope and love that I have been missing. However, I am stunned and saddened by the "unprecedented review of the suitability of Gretta Vosper." One only has to witness the caring and the interpretation of the spreading of the word... "Love" to be inspired and uplifted. One can't help but wonder if that itinerate preacher who also spread the Word of Love so long ago would have considered her unsuitable.

I am shocked and dismayed that the United church would even consider letting go such a visionary as Gretta Vosper.

It's a matter of money. The United Church is worried about future donations. They are not concerned about people who will be left out.

Need a FAIR process

Please reject the recommendations. I shall let my membership go if Gretta is not allowed to remain.

I urge the Sub-Executive of the United Church, Toronto Conference to reject the recommendations of the Conference Interview Committee.

Shared values rather than beliefs is what creates a church. "Where 3 or more are gathered in my name...there am I." Is God concerned about our beliefs...or our actions?

You should be ashamed of yourselves! It is time the decision makers step down. You are not with the times! Gretta Forever!!!!

I have listened to Greta Vesper speak and I believe she has the ability to reach out to so many people who are asking serious questions about their faith . She is honest and yet very spiritual. She has the ability to draw people into congregations which is sorely needed.

Stop this heresy.

...to "let go" such valuable diversity/resource as well as lose me and others and "our resources" - WOW! I BELIEVE: ... This action by the United Church of Canada would have far reaching negative implications for the institution - on the other hand would hasten collapse and potential Pheonix.