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

It is people like Gretta Vosper that gets new ideas moving. I want to support Gretta because I think that down the road in life she will be seen as a person who let us know that changes must be made or things will not live on!!!!

This decision seeks to make you like every other church. Nobody wants another church like every other church. Young people aren't believing stories, but they can still find value in the narrative. Don't cater to the older crowd who want to turn back the clock. Don't be fooled by the thin protective layer of believing young people they will surround themselves with. This is the sort of opportunity the UCCan throws away time and again. Don't throw away this one.

Your decision pivots on this point: will the United Church evolve to welcome spiritual seekers and clergy with diverse beliefs, or will the United Church entrench itself in the previous century's definition of Christianity and seal its fate in irrelevance?

We as a church, need to be truthful about our beliefs and our doubts. Discussion and education would be better than discipline.

This is a ridiculous decision. My family was away from the church for years. I was invited to grettas congregation, and was brought back into the church...by Gretta. She was what we had been looking for...thoughtful and thought provoking. Now there are 7 people pushed away from the United Church again...by this dicision.

Gretta is not alone in her 'values over beliefs' path. Is the United Church saying that none of us belong any more? I thought the UC was more open to diversity in all facets of life and spirituality.

I grew up in the UC, received my sterling silver Tyro T, was baptized and confirmed. I now attend Meewasin Valley United in Saskatoon because it is a place of spiritual diversity and welcomes my understanding of reality, which is similar to that of Gretta Vosper. I can't imagine why the UC would ban Gretta and those who hold similar views which have grown from a thoughtful understanding of reality in our modern world.

I sign this In full agreement. AJ

It seems we no longer have a place in the UCC.

West Hill United IS Gretta Vosper, we all love her and would be devastated if she was removed.

I am extremely disheartened by the process that was used and by the recommendations and simply do not understand how the review board could reach a decision that Greta is unsuitable for the ministry she is engaged in with her congregation.

We need Gretta!

It is time the Church got out of the Dark Ages.The Bible is a book of Myths. Please do not punish Gretta for telling it like it is.

What next, defrocking clergy whose theologies are too right -wing to truly represent the UCC??? Lots of those out there. Why single out Gretta?

Please just receive the report and do nothing further.

As a member of the United Church of Canada for 65 years I am appauled in the manner in which my church the United church have conducted themselves. You haven't had the courtesy to step into West Hill or talk to us. I have always been proud to say I belong to the United church but not now. My United church includes Gretta

Is the United Church in Canada trying to get rid of all of their 'progressives' in the ministry and in the pews?

I am very saddened by the report and recommendations. As a life long member of the United Church I feel this will lead to the end if we cannot continue the dialogue that Greta has initiated

my parents were from different countries and influenced by different, albeit Christian, religions. their experience was one of discrimination which motivated them to allow me to choose ... choose the format and expression of my belief. having recently been introduced to West Hill United and appreciating this community I would like to support Gretta and her unique and honouring approach. Please understand the depth and breadth of her ministry and allow this community to thrive in the way it has evolved. I beg you to look at 'community' which, in turn, creates all those 'things' we humans value.

I had not been to church for some 40 years, until I discovered Gretta and her inclusive and caring based services. I never leave her service without a new awareness of myself or my community. If there were more people like Gretta in the United Church, the world would be a better and safer place.