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

Jesus did not require his followers to give credence to a list of rules and "beliefs". Rather, he told them that if they showed loving care for anyone with whom they came in contact (not just members of their own tribe), they could count themselves as his disciples. Although I am an Episcopalian, I describe myself as a "follower of Rabbi Jesus" and leave it at that.

As a thinking,democratic,inclusive church, we should take Greta Vosper as a breath of fresh air. Modern religion is unfolding learning experience,not fixed in the dark ages.

Thank you for starting this petition. May this issue stir up many to think and question "outside the box" of tradition.

I feel passionate about this issue.

When a Pharisee-lawyer asks Jesus to name the greatest commandment, Jesus instead named two—the commandment to love God (Deuteronomy 6.5) and neighbor (Leviticus 19.18), with a slight preference for love of God. These he declares to be similar but not identical (Matthew 22.34-40). This ascription of primacy to two commandments that conflict in certain situations generates an open hermeneutic resisting predetermined outcomes. Theism and humanism are valorized, placed into an unresolved relationship that demands interpretative discernment, not rigorist application. Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6.4-5) You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19.18) When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” [Jesus] said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment.

You are an inspiration. We are blessed.

Long live Gretta! I'm dismayed by the current spat. When will wisdom and common humanity prevail?

Wouldn't the world be great, if we were all like her.

We are all different and that is God's Creation...it IS........ evolving...as do all ideas Theistic ....or NOT.... all ideas need challenging.... Let GV be heard and hear her ... she is the hands , feet, amd has the words of GOD what ever that means...Evolve church people.... evolve and GROW UP.......

Greta sounds like a loving, compassionate and realistic person being true to her knowledge and experiences of 'now', she should be supported,not condemned.

What inane, idiotic behaviour by a church supposed to be following the way of Jesus.

Although not Canadian but American, I heartily oppose the ouster of Reverend Vosper on these grounds - and at the same time endorse the opinion as stated of the dissenting 4 voices on the committee, i.e... "...doctrine is evolving, not finished...".

I have long supported what Gretta stands for and am deeplyconcerned for the future of my church which places it's irrelevant vows in such a high and holy place.

The Holy Spirit is calling us and all humanity to continue the holy work of evolution. Let us not be afraid. We are just little ones in this work, but we are connected deeply to one another. When we know that, we know the meaning of Christ-power..

We must never punish debate.

I may disagree with Gretta, but I believe that it is important to hear her voice and to be able to dialogue. We may both grow in the process.

We need her !!

Now more than ever we are aware of so many different believes and the need for dialogue. Gretta Vosper has had a deep influence in our spiritual trip. Don't leave out of your church such important contribution to Progressive Christianity. Carlos & Emma Allemand from Alicante, Spain.

Keep Gretta in the church.

That is my name ,that is my e mail!