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

If it is working for West Hill, why fix it?

It is only appropriate that the church follow its own policies regarding review. Whether or not it is a panel of four or twenty-four, whether or not it is a review of 'suitability' which becomes effectiveness, policy should be followed. At the very least the Chair of the Board should be present and able to speak. Unfortunately, refusal to adhere to even this most basic inclusion casts a less-than-favorable light on the entire process and those involved. There is a difference between a confidential process and a 'secret' process. I fear you have slipped over the line.

From the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa.

As a member of this congregation and former Chair of the Official Board who fully supports Gretta, we are best suited to determine Gretta's effectiveness and suitability - it is only just that our representative be allowed the opportunity to speak during the hearing.

A congregation's input should be essential. Certainly!

Please allow third party representation to the West Hill congregation third party status

Certainly the congregation should have a voice.

Gretta is a wonderful friend, and an amazing pastor.

West Hill is the most welcoming community I have experienced. I feel strongly that the Congregation should have a voice in this review.

Gretta is trying to help to take the UC into the future. There are many of us who are wanting to move in a more progressive direction and she should be allowed to do this. Many of us are non-theistic but we still believe in GOD, whatever you believe that to be! The United Church of Canada will be doing a huge disservice if she has to leave.

As a United Church member in nearby London Conference I urge adaption of this petition. The West Hill congregation should be allowed third party status and representation.

Of course Randy should be there. It is unjust, unkind and unChristian for him not to attend.

I have found some peace within the whole world of Christianity through Gretta's words and the wisdom she brings. Gretta's voice is so important and it is a sad state of affairs that more churches are not modeled after Westhill.

You have my support.

Only recently have I found West Hill UC. From the very first attendance, the openness and warm atmosphere was a breath of fresh air. Under the direction of Gretta Vosper, the focus on Justice, love and caring was heartening. I leave there each Sunday inspired and increasingly hopeful. We need more ministers with her courage and her insights. Please let the attendees at West Hill United Church decide who they want to be their minister. The United Church of Canada has always been a liberal and forward thinking organization. Hopefully other ministers will have the courage to be open with their beliefs.

It is because of Reverend Gretta Vosper that I have a spiritual home in the United Church.

We should be celebrating the fact that we have people leading us like Reverend Greta Vosper in the United Church.

Jeanne and I make the trip from Kitchener into Toronto usually twice a month to be part of the welcoming community of West Hill UC and its satellite gathering in Mississauga at West West Hill. Gretta and the West Hill congregation(s) are a true partnership and community. Denying either a voice in any review situation or discussion lacks the justice seeking approach usually found within the UCC. It saddens and frustrates me to see the UCC sliding down this slippery slope.

I have been a member of the United Church for many years. My views on Christianity are close to those expressed by Greta Vosper in her books "With or without God" and "Amen." I travelled to West Hill to hear her speak one Sunday when the topic of her " reflection " was the importance of truly LISTENING to our neighbour's point of view. I hope The Toronto Conference will be able to LISTEN next week.

Greta Vosper is very effective as a spiritual leader for me, as a member of The United Church of Canada. Keep her with us, please.