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

Intellectual integrity is at stake here. The UCC has put up with ministers who marry parrots. What on earth is the problem with intellectual honesty?

As a lifelong active member of the United Church, I have been proud of the inclusivity, breadth and diversity within the United Church allowing for a wide range of beliefs about what it means to be whole, good and in community. Only in extreme cases (if ever) should the United Church governance structure interfere with the faith journey of a congregation and an individual; the ability to question, to have beliefs that differ from the General Secretary alone does not count as extreme threat. Instead it is an act that is calling for the sense of possibility & respect upon with the United Church was formed.

The church has always been forward thinking - the first to accept women in ministry, the first to accept gay persons. We should embrace a minister who provokes us to open our minds.

I am saddened that this is the course the conference has choosen.... Not surprised but saddened just the same... Obviously didn't ask themselves " what would Jesus do?"

I support the petition. The crux of the issue, surely that it is more important how we live than what we believe, which is what Gretta Vosper has tried to highlight. We will lose an important voice and perspective if she is silenced, and will discourage others who have looked upon the United Church as open and thoughtful. Rev. Tom Watson, Guelph, Ontario

If you loose Greta you will loose one of the best ministers you have ever had!!!! Open your eyes and your hearts!!! Stop being so fearful of her greatness....stop being so afraid of loosing power!!!! We are all one...What would love do now?

i respect honesty, sharing, strength and kindness.

On my visit to West Hill it appeared that the entire congregation was 100% in support of Gretta Vosper - were they all wrong?

One reason I value the United Church is because it is inclusive. So sorry to see this decision by the Toronto Conference Interview Board. Surely there is room for Greta and those who think/believe like her.

The United church will suffer a great loss if they silence Gretta

I am ashamed of the United Church's stance in this regard. Gretta Vesper is a blessing to her church and to the United Church.

In my search for something I can believe I find much of Gretta's thoughts to be attractive. I value the chance to continue to learn within the United Church of Canada.

I found the recommendation extremely disheartening and not what I would have expected from the United Church. The process was not sufficiently transparent

It would be a GREAT day for the United Church if the Sub-Executive would reject the recommendations and begin anew with an open discussion regarding moving the United Church into the 21st Century.

I previously responded with a letter stating my disappointment in my church to which I have belonged for over 50 years! Not very inclusive action...

Please use common sense in your decision. Greta and her Church should be accommodated within the "big tent" of the United Church. A compromise is possible here if you use some creative thinking. Do not get hung up on"rules and regulations". You know that the questions for ordination will be changed in the near future. The present questions will soon become relegated to the history books and be seen as irrelevant and obsolete as the Church changes to be in sync with societies' changes. This is 2016. Show some leadership. Be out in front, ahead of the folks in the pew. Do not lead from behind. Be Brave! Make a bold decision which will stand the test of time and prove to be correct in years to come.The history of Christianity is evolutionary. Heresy becomes Dogma and vice versa in historical Christianity. Greta is ahead of her time and should not be punished. History will show her to be trending in the right direction. She is ahead of the curve and the UCC should demonstrate their support for her correct vision. Defrocking her will be very damaging to the UCC in the short and long term. Sincerely. PWTruscott

My grandmother joined the newly formed United Church. As a teenager, I was a Sunday School Teacher. I am proud that the United Church as welcomed women into the ministry and open their hearts to the LGBT community. After many decades away from the church, I have now found a home at West Hill United where the emphasis is on living your life every day as a good morally conscious person. However, this process is severely flawed in the many ways outlined by the petition. I am disillusioned that the United Church would allow this. It can only be damaging to congregations, ministers and their relationship. Reject the recommendations of the report of the Conference Interview Committee

I support this petition. Everything mentioned is of major concern and the process used to come to the conclusion this committee has arrived at is not in alignment with the values I have always attributed to the United Church

I would like to go on record as being in favor of Rev. Gretta Vosper continuing as a member of the Order of Ministry within The United Church of Canada. Surely there is a place for her under the broad umbrella of inclusiveness that defines who we are as a denomination!

Gretta Vosper has been a great source of my spirituality over many years. Her thoughts and compassion have resonated in my soul. I have always admired the United Church but it will be greatly tainted if Gretta Vosper's ministry is taken away from her. Sincerely, David Young