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

All Christian churches have risen from human hands/minds/souls, and they reflect the many 'imperfections of human beings.' Being imperfect, we are told: "judge not that ye may not be judged." In a sense, Gretta Vosper has consciously set herself up as a lightning rod, which is bringing 'spirituality' into the public domain more prominently than any number of 'politically correct' clergy have dared to do.

I was one of the founding members of CCPC and am saddened by the Church's reaction to her ministry.

I strongly support this petition. DEM

Dialogue among us not silencing from above is the only way forward in the struggle for a better world.

If our church can "draw the circle wide" enough to include the community of concern, they should be able to make room for someone like Gretta. My UCC includes Gretta Vosper and her beliefs!!!

Don't put out this wonderful breath of fresh air in a progressive church that was beginning to get intrenched again!

The dialogue about theism must take place and it should be done in the whole church before anyone is expelled. Vosper has the main point of Jesus' teachings right, namely, that love is the highest priority. The action against her should await clarification of the theological issues involved.

Open and fearless dialogue can only lead a church and its people to all they can be and do. There is nothing wholly about staying stuck and pushing back.

My United Church needs Gretta's voice, she belongs in our fold, we should be honoured to have her. We need to have these conversations to remain vital.

I’ve read ‘With or Without God.’ Whatever one makes of her style Vosper can be praised for giving a brave voice to the views of many under our ‘big tent’. Should she be condemned for rejecting the ancient ‘Big Guy in the Sky’ notion of God? Is that what ‘atheism’ means? Never mind! – While wasting resources in this no-win pursuit the UCC is losing precious energy and wasting time that could be used in prescribing a radical restatement of our principles. Without rapid attention to the broader issues UCC is sleep-walking into extinction – as statistical trends indicate. Such a disservice to our forebears who carried Christ-consciousness into this era! - and to our grandchildren, who are provided no modern framework for understanding theology, when science trumps all. At best they’ll claim SBNR status, but not UCC membership. ------------------------------------ Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. “Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses on a mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.” “Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?” his mother asked. “Well no, Mom. But if I told it the way the teacher did, you’d never believe it!”

I would still be attending Sunday service if someone like Greta was in a Winnipeg pulpit.

If we,as Canadian citizens, believe in one of our basic rights as a democracy--the right of freedom of speech-- then we are transgressing against that right if we "punish" by disqualifying Greta Vosper.

I do not support Vosper's ideas. But I think the stupidest thing any Christian can do is to accuse anyone of heresy, etc. Ted Colson

I am right beside you on this journey Greta. Thank you for helping to bring humanity forward.

I solemnly support the theology and faith of Rev. Greta Vosper. She is a light and hope of UCC' future.

I don't agree with all of G.Vosper's thoughts but I think she is "making the wisdom of the ages relevant for today".

Hi Gretta, Please hang in. You are the vanguard! This is, as you know a matter the global church has to face. Niebuhr says it all for me. We are part of the global Movement of the Spirit; And we exist between the "no longer and the not yet" Space and time are irrelevant, Love, Greg

I fully support this petition to reject the recommendations of the Conference Interview Committee. Gretta's ministry meets the needs of many people and their views on spirituality and what religion means to them when the tradition views of the church do not. She is a leader that is changing with the time when the Toronto Conference is not.

I, Lynn McLean, believe Gretta represents the best part of the UCC. If we, UCC, are to meet the needs of all who come to us looking for community, we need to evolve. I embrace the voice and ministry of Gretta, that has started the process that is so important for the future of UCC.

I wholeheartedly support Gretta Vosper in her stance. What Ms Vosper confronts is the difference between that which Jesus taught and that which the Church teaches that Jesus taught .. the difference between Christianity and Churchainity. Like Jesus, Ms Vosper has a few things to say about the nitpicking legalism of contemporary society.