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

The United church I believe in is inclusive

It is a sad day for the church when doctrine trumps love.

Change is challenging but there is great opportunity for a bigger idea. Including diversity is challenging but The United Church has strong roots and flexible branches

I respect the diversity of opinions on this topic, but I am uncomfortable with what the fear of a 'heresy' trial will do to the free and open exchange of theological ideas amongst clergy

Profound disappointment and shock at the decision. Hoping and yes, praying for a reversal.

Matt 12:14 "Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him." Have we learned nothing from our own tradition's history? Please, sub-Executive of Toronto Conference, consider the deep and far-reaching importance of this point in our journey. Consider the stark parallels between what you decide today and what they decided 2,000 years ago. Please do not make the same mistakes. If our values don't outweigh our beliefs, our beliefs are truly of no value. Are "All really welcome," as we're so fond of saying, or only those who conform to status-quo thinking?

I urge you to consider what a decision to put Gretta on the Discontinued Service list will do to a church whose basic reason for being was a thinking theology and justice for all. And what it says to the many clergy and lay people who have the same understanding of god as Gretta does.....that God is a human construct.....and that our call as human beings is to LOVE (call that God if you will), to live in community and care for our world and one another.

Greta is an evangelist for her position in a church that isn't into evangelism anymore. Greta is also not afraid to use her elbows sometimes, and nobody is keen on that. But we need this her ideas to be part of the discussion, not a matter of discipline.

Greta Vosper is a beacon of light, love, and divinity in a very confused traditional church. I have so much respect for her

I have a long family and personal history in the United Church and have valued its openness to change, allowance of diversity, emphasis on love, compassion and inclusiveness. I was proud that this, my church, was not chained to doctrine and creed,.. often outdated, Yet it is this doctrine that is being used to measure the effectiveness of a minister, shutting down appropriate dialoque,

I have a long family and personal history in the United Church and have valued its openness to change, allowance of diversity, emphasis on love, compassion and inclusiveness. I was proud that this, my church, was not chained to doctrine and creed,.. often outdated, Yet it is this doctrine that is being used to measure the effectiveness of a minister, shutting down appropriate dialoque,

I have a long family and personal history in the United Church and have valued its openness to change, allowance of diversity, emphasis on love, compassion and inclusiveness. I was proud that this, my church, was not chained to doctrine and creed,.. often outdated, Yet it is this doctrine that is being used to measure the effectiveness of a minister, shutting down appropriate dialoque,

I believe the United Church will move creatively into the 21st century if Gretta is congratulated instead of critiqued for her clearly articulated beliefs.

Greta Vosper's views are those of current modern spiritual thinkers. Her ability to express these views and to reject outdated 3rd century creeds should lead to dialogue, not dismissal. Hopefully our United Church can move forwards and live the words of vs.4 of Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness: "You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes….our women see visions, our men clear their eyes, with bold new decisions your people arise."

Greta Vosper's views are those of current modern spiritual thinkers. Her ability to express these views and to reject outdated 3rd century creeds should lead to dialogue, not dismissal. Hopefully our United Church can move forwards and live the words of vs.4 of Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness: "You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes….our women see visions, our men clear their eyes, with old new decisions your people arise."

I am saddened and worried about the future of this church that I love

This is the first time in quite some time that the UCC has engaged in intense theological conversation. Let's keep the dialogue going.

I really believe Gretta should stay as a minister in the United Church. I'm a church member in Alberta and all of us do so much in the community and make a difference. Ministers can be spiritual and lead without a belief in God.

The denominational mechanisms triggered, and decisions made thus far, to investigate the suitability of Gretta Vosper as a UCC minister, reveal the inadequacy of our structures to address the deeper yearnings of what it means to be human. It is not about what we say we believe that determines suitability, or even faith - it is about the fullness of our humanity, and the integrity in which we live, that determines our suitability and faith. Even those who may not embrace all of Rev Vosper's philosophy would not wish to see her unjustly dismissed, and in fact, would defend the importance for her to express her honest and challenging voice - and for her church (Westhill) to be the final testimony to her suitability and integrity.

If we kept homophobic ministers who damaged the church in 1988, why are we getting rid of one minister who preaches love and acceptance. The United Church has a wide theological make up - are we going to damage yet another congregation on the far side of this spectrum? Having served on Conference Interview Board I heard more than once, a candidate say they believed in the Basis of Union as a historical document, therefore avoiding the questions Gretta isn't afraid to answer honestly.