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

Judging a person's suitability for ministry in the UCC on the basis of essential agreement with credal statements made long ago is not a suitable measure. Yes, Gretta has made unorthodox statements, but a living theology evolves and for the church to live, it must continue to wrestle with orthodoxy. Vosper provides us with the impetus to do just that.

Gretta Vosper has been a very positive influence on my spiritual life. I often recite to myself one of the meditations she created and shared.

I feel it is not reasonable that one congregation is able to raise an issue of this importance, and feel it should never have been allowed to do so. The concern needs a much broader consideration within the United Church as a whole. This particular handling of the issue is not consistent with the democratic nature of the United Church of Canada.

I think we need Gretta's end of the theological spectrum and the conversations she has stimulated.

I do not see why Gretta would be found to be not fit, as her congregation has no problems with her.

Toronto Conference, please reject the recommendations from Gretta Vosper's review. I will not stay in the United Church if diversity is silenced.

What potential we have to contribute to a life-sustaining society as a denomination if we were to create space for dialogue about spirituality amid the Great Turning - by living out values such as inclusive diversity - values that Canadian society has come to associate with the United Church of Canada. Gretta creates such space for reflective dialogue.

Everybody sees and experiences their understanding of God in their own way. Jesus criticized the religion and the leaders of his time which led to, Christianity, the largest religious group in the world. Jesus said 'we are not to judge but to witness.

There is room for all types of diversity in the United Church, including theological diversity. If not, then I guess there's no room for me.

I support Gretta.

My United Church is big enough to include Gretta in ministry - or else I have simply misjudged my United Church and it is clearly no longer mine.

I am very distressed with the reactionary and backward-looking decision made about Rev. Vosper's fitness to serve our church.

We expect flawed sanity to be found at the heart of the review committee members.

I appreciate Gretta's contribution to diversity and dialogue on spirituality. I think her work is an asset to the United Church of Canada.

I AM A SEMINARY GRADUATE, FORMER PASTOR AND MISSIONARY, I HAVE SPENT DECADES IN AGONIZING PERSONAL STUDY AND PRAYER OVER THIS ISSUE OF "WITH OR WITHOUT GOD". I HAVE BEEN OSTRACIZED BY MY FORMER CONGREGATION AND MANY "CHRISTIAN" FRIENDS. I HAVE FOUND AT "WEST HILL" THE COMMUNITY OF LOVING INDIVIDUALS AND THOUGHT PROVOKING PASTOR THAT I HAVE SOUGHT FOR ALL MY LIFE. I AM AT PEACE AT "WEST HILL". PLEASE DO NOT DESTROY THIS COMMUNITY.

I sign in my capacity as a member of the Friends of Gretta Vosper Association.

This is definitely not the approach of the progressive inclusive United Church I love. I appreciate that challenging ideas are allowed to be expressed and explored. To accept the report of the Conference Interview Committee is to play politics. It would do damage to the church's reputation for open dialogue over control and discipline. Grett Vosper is apparently much loved and appreciated by many within the Church.

Whilst there is a core of understanding at the heart of the institutional Church, dogma must not stifle fresh ways of speaking and acting as followers in the way of Jesus thst relate to the time in which we live, move and have our being.

I believe strongly in this petition.

Please do not accept these recommendations! I want the United Church to continue to allow diversity & include those of us who no longer believe in a theistic God