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

We have lost so many well-read, passionate members,, often because people in their congregations refused to change. Some go to the Unitarian Church.

PLease listen, Toronto Conference, to the comments of those signing this petition and make a difference in this crucial cross roads.

Let's talk!

I chose the United Church of Canada 31 years ago because of its freedom of thought and conscience, its openness to diversity and its commitment to justice . Some of those I serve or have served in ministry would have no place to go if we ceased to be that kind of church . Gretta has shown herself in support of every United Church stance on Justice , as far as I can see - and in the past we've been tolerant of clergy who were not. As with many of us , her theology has evolved over the years and in the context of her pastoral ministry . She has offered a safe place for thoughtful, caring , reflective people who might otherwise not find a church home - as many of us would wish to as well, even if our theological perspectives vary . Finally I agree with others who think this process is not appropriately applied to belief but to actual effectiveness as a pastoral minister- and it does not appear to reflect the concerns of her pastoral charge but rather those of others who do not agree with her theology. This is a very bad precedent to set in our inclusive and diverse church.

It is appalling that we are still asking ordinands to "believe in" the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I served on the Decade Committee for ten years and we know the danger of a male image in the sky who intervenes and answers prayers. Gretta has paved the way for good conversation and 21st.century thinking about God, our spiritual values, etc. Please see this as a positive for my wonderful inclusive United Church! Emily K.

I value theological diversity and the expanded thinking of Gretta Vosper. Seems like the mind of man is in the way of the heart of God.

Such a poor process for such an important decision. May Toronto Conference have courage to lead us forward.

I am very disappointed with this "new process" that has no basis in our church. This is not the way to encourage diversity.

I am a "radical Anglican" who believes in and supports Gretta in her stand. We are thinking people who, if we follow our hearts, reject adherence to the "taken for granted" childhood beliefs of our various denominations.

Spiritual understanding is an evolving experience without definitive sign posts

Surely we are an open church willing and anxious to grow in our faith. To defrock our leading thinkers is to cower behind the evolving modern world.

Member of United Church of Canada (for now) and fully supportive of Gretta.

Thank you for initiating this petition. Life is always evolving and the perspective Gretta Vosper offers is an important part in the evolution of the United Church of Canada.

Do the right thing, and reject the committee's recommendation!

Being a part of the United Church is more than a belief in God. It's living ones life with the values we learn and grow with in the church.

I've been a member of this church for nearly 90% of its life. It has always made its decisions based on love and justice, not on theology and doctrine. Gretta Vosper is an unbelievable prophetic asset. Please don't let her go!

Appears the united church may be on the road to Jerusalem in a Lenten season of its own making. Which character will I be?? I will go and hang-out with the women near the tomb to watch. Who will you be??

The institutional church cannot discipline on the basis of beliefs - only on the basis of behaviour and actions.

As a Muslim who attends a United Church occasionally, I stand in full support of Rev. Gretta Vosper in this hour. It is her message of universality and of radical inclusion, of how we live instead of what we believe that has resounded strongly with me. It is the work espoused by her that provides a very strong foundation for ethical and spiritual living that deserves to be emulated by religious leaders across denominations and faiths.

As a Muslim who attends a United Church occasionally, I stand in full support of Rev. Gretta Vosper in this hour. It is her message of universality and of radical inclusion, of how we live instead of what we believe that has resounded strongly with me. It is the work espoused by her that provides a very strong foundation for ethical and spiritual living that deserves to be emulated by religious leaders across denominations and faiths.