West Hill's Voice in the review of Reverend Gretta Vosper

Rev. Vosper exhibits the highest level of morality and theology in her many dutys. She is most effective in her ministry. It would be a grave error to dismiss a person of her high caliber.

The congregation is part of the covenanting. Their voice needs to be heard.

I grew up in the United Church. Got my sterling silver Tyro T as a boy. Left the church as a young adult but found, a few years ago, Meewasin Valley United in Saskatoon, which rekindled my interest in a community of faith following the Progressive Christian approach of Gretta Vosper and West Hill United. I encourage the Toronto Conference to recognize the approach of West Hill and Gretta as a caring loving contributor to human spirituality.

I admire Gretta for being honest about her 'atheism' ! What matters is that she is a caring, compassionate and well spoken minister!

I believe that it is only fair to have Randy Bowes present at the review, and that he be allowed to express his opinions.

Gretta has my support. She is an exciting and forward-thinking voice in the United Church of Canada and elsewhere. The voice of her congregation should be heard!

I admire Gretta for thinking outside the box to attract more members!

The church of the future needs more voices like Gretta's. Please respect her right to be supported by members of her congregation.

I believe that the congregation at west hill needs a voice and the board chair Randy Bowes would be ideal at Gretas "auto de fe" session Wednesday. I am a life long united church member and I am disgusted with the process defined by Presbetery for measuring her effectiveness as a minister. She has been effective keeping me in the church and renewing my vision and beliefs.

This review process would never happen in the United Church I thought I knew. It is a huge and, I believe, fatal step backwards. Gretta's voice properly represents the future of the United Church. To attempt to silence that voice within the church may not put an end to it, but it will put an end to its relevance as a positive force in the world.

How do west hill folk understand their congregation as "church"? I think that is an excellent question that is important to the main concern of Rev. Vosper's effectiveness.

This church's congregation, though small, is mighty. We are a part of the United Church and are proud to say so. We need to have our voice heard. Please!

I will remain proud of the United Church if we are able to weave Gretta Vosper's wisdom into our congregational lives.

Please also let members of the congregation speak. .. they are the ones that Gretta is ministering to!

How can you of the committee not want to hear from those who interact with Gretta regularly? You are sitting in isolation and treating the congregation as though not important, but aren't congregants necessary for all churches at all levels. Mind your zeal and arrogance do not make you forget to love and care for the people of the congregation of West Hill.

In keeping with the policies regarding the review of ministry personnel as found in the Pastoral Charge and Ministry Personnel Reviews

To not allow at the very least the presence of the board chair who represents the congregation, puts the church in a further bad light.

I'm with you Gretta!

Review of ministry personnel policies are there to help when interests diverge and we are tempted to veer away from open process. May broad understanding of Vosper's ministry be sought by including Bowes in the review.

10 years ago Featured

I am uncomfortable with this whole situation. There seems to be an awful lot of power, privilege and fascism at play. If this isn't the case, then following the rules of review and allowing the chair of the board to attend and speak seems like a reasonably small gesture of goodwill...