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

I am in full support of Gretta and her courage of convictions.

Gretta Vosper has given me reason to study my faith in depth while remaining a member of the United Church of Canada. If she is considered unfit to be a minister in my church, I am clearly unfit to be a member. I implore you to encourage her in her inspiring work, and do not silence this inspiring minister.

Where has my United Church gone? When and why did it acquiesce to the narrow viewpoint if its conservative members? As someone who shares many of the views as Gretta, are these same "Christians" going to put my suitability as a church member to the same test (and consequences therein)? Our once brave and bold United Church is hastening it's very extinction as a voice of justice and ethics in Canada. Would that I lived closer to West Hill United Church to embrace this deeply profound spiritual community.

People like Gretta deserve credit for questioning the norm. The majority of us are just too passive in the acceptance of the dogma/precepts of our faith. E.g. is it not time we moved past the fairy tale version that Copernicus came to accept, some 374 years before the Church of Rome did.

Happy to sign and can't begin to understand the position taken by the church.

Emmanuel College grad 1967 Left ordained ministry in 1975 due to theological conflicts that led to depression

I am deeply disturbed and saddened by the decision of the Toronto Conference Interview Committee. Honestly, how did the UCC get back to this closed place? I have deep gratitude for Gretta's voice; open, inviting, exploring, sharing, and welcoming all into the conversation. When we sing "Draw the Circle Wide", I think we need to open up the edge to let in some fresh air so that circle doesn't turn into a symbol of who's in and who's out of its edge.

I am very disappointed with the decision of the Toronto Conference Interview Committee. Ms Vosper has been an inspiration to me for a number of years. Along with a number of other spiritual visionaries her books and speaking engagements have been a source of personal learning and spiritual deepening for me. This decision will mean is a great loss to the United Church as it strives to move ahead into a new way of being alive in today's world. For Gretta, I would expect she will absorb this and then continue to bravely move into this spiritual transformation that is before us.

This is a ridiculous situation for the United Church of Canada to allow to happen. Gretta has opened new and exciting opportunities for understanding and take the Church to a place where many former members have already gone. No wonder the Church is being seen as irrelevant!

I mostly left my Baptist domination because of a trend toward a very conservative stance. Thus I turned to the United Church where "all are welcome". Check out to "More Voices". I am deeply disturbed by the by the move affecting Ms. Vosper and many others.

Whoops! That's the UCC website!! Barb Bell

The recommendations of the Toronto Conference Interview Committee cause me to place judgement on the governance of our church, rather than on Gretta's ministry. She is a vibrant, intelligent and articulate woman who has provided an opportunity for open discussion and progressive thought in our UCC. Leave her and her West Hill congregation alone to serve their community as they see fit. Will the next inquisition be for members who do not believe in and will not "profess their faith in the triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and to commit themselves to faithful conduct in the church and in the world"? (copied from the UUC website) If so, I will have to go!! Barb Bell

The United Church has been a trailblazer in many ways showing respect for thinking "Christians" and others who have differing "beliefs". Greta certainly has been vocal in presenting how many share her type of thinking in and outside the United Church. The sanctioning of Greta Vosper by the "authorities" is similar to the ways in which the Curia of the Roman Cathoilic faith treats their "flock".

I am part of the UCC BECAUSE of its history of inclusivity of a wide variety of people. Please get back on track!!!

she was a breath of fresh air and gave me hope. I be leave that we need more of this progressive faith less dogma

Greta Vosper has made us aware that it is not what you believe but how you live your life in service to others that is important.

I was corresponding with a friend, a UCC member, about what the UCC is doing. He replied, "I am in Toby..the problem with the United Church as with many churches is the narrow minded people that run them …". In my opinion, if the decision goes against including Gretta's voice within the UCC tent, then "I'm outta here." The UCC is in the process of shooting itself in the foot after which it may limp on but as a very diminished church.

I am sure that there are many with similar views to Gretta Vosper both in the United Church and outside. The freedom to explore all angles of our Christian beliefs is necessary for us to grow. This witch hunt is unjust.

Gretta Vosper contributes much more to the future of the United Church of Canada than she takes away from it. Removing her voice from the conversation within the church is a mistake.

After 7 good years as a minister of the United Church of Canada at Alberta Conference in 1957 because the ordination creedal vows had become meaningless, but neither the conference nor the moderator would give me an audience. Gretta's outreach should be embraced by the church.