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

Gretta Vosper's voice represents the voices of many people and congregations across Canada. We are watching and praying that this ordeal will be resolved in a fair and just manner for her and all progressives.

I am a supporter of the UCC, and while I am of another (non-Christian) faith, I have always been impressed and amazed at the UCC's tolerance and inclusiveness. This case, for the reasons given by the other commentators, please accord Gretta the right to have her supporters by her side.

Our church needs more progressive thinkers and leaders like Gretta Vosper!!!!!

Surely one cannot 'decide' that Gretta has not received a call and covenant with West Hill, and that they should be free to work out what that means to them!

Our UCC must allow Randy Bowes the opportunity to speak on behalf of the West Hill congregation and their deep, fulfilling relationship with Gretta. This review is a travesty- decisions being made from the "top" rather than letting those who worship and serve with a minister deal with their relationship in their own way.

Fair and transparent surely this is a right for everyone? Randy Bowes should have the right to speak and be heard.

Although I am not a member of the West Hill congregation, I have read Gretta'sbook, With or Without God, and agree with her stand. It is a stand that will allow the church to survive; otherwise it is doomed. People will find it increasingly impossible to believe in a supernatural deity. Gretta is one of a few to have the courage to speak out. She should have someone at her side from the congregation to support her at the hearing.

As a minister Gretta has helped me spiritually. Gretta is leading the UC of Canada in the right direction. If this church is to grow it is required to meet the needs the many today. Gretta is showing us the way.

It is unconscionable to proceed without the input from the folk/community Ms Vosper is in deep relationship with! How dare you assume absolute control over these proceedings!

West Hill is a congregation of conscientious and conscious people, seeking to grow spiritually so they can be a light in the world. Please ensure that the Chair of the Board, Randy Bowes, be present at the review. And Please be aware of the hundreds of people who are growing also in their relationship to the Source of All that is" and to this earth.

Having attended West Hill United Church as a visitor, the great passion for exploring the mysteries of faith was truly evident. In reviewing the capabilities of a minister, it is only just that the congregation be represented. We need more forward thinking theologians like Gretta Vosper in the UC, as they challenge us to think in new and rewarding ways to prepare for the future. She is truly an inspiration.

It seems only natural, fair and just that those who actually experience Getta's ministry would have a voice in her Review. I, having had long experience in the openness of the United Church, can't imagine it being otherwise.

I am most anxious that the interview process be fair and just.

The congregation and gretta have made these changes together over the years as we have made this journey from traditional Christianity to a service that doesn't exclude anyone (you needn't believe in a theistic being to be part of the service, but if you do, the service won't exclude you, either.) Being so intertwined, the congregation should be a part of this review process. If you're reviewing gretta's theology to see if she is worthy to stay in the United church, you are also deciding whether the people of this congregation can remain, too.

Gretta Vosper is a powerful voice for love and reason in an increasingly unreasonable world. She has travelled a path away from dogma and straight to the heart of the matter. "What does it mean to have meaning in this life?" Randy Bowes needs to be allowed to give voice to this covenant between West Hill and Gretta "to seek justice".

West Hill has not lodged a complaint to trigger this review. It is only just that we have a voice is this process. Why are you not following your own policies? I look forward to hearing from you.

I am an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada, ordained I 1995 and retired in 2006. I have known Gretta personally and professionally for several years, and have read many of her books, hymns, poems, and other writings. She is a gift to the United Church for which we all should be thankful. The depth of her integrity and commitment to living the Jesus story in today's world is a great inspiration to me as to to many others. As the United Church moves forward into a time of dramatic change, we need all the deeply committed and independent thinkers we can get. Gretta is at the head of that list. I do not agree with all of her opinions and positions (nor does she degree with all of mine), but I do value them very highly as a voice we in today's church urgently need to hear. I implied you to maintain Gretta's ordination in good standing. We need to have her voice as part of our collective spiritual journey. Thank you for your consideration of my comments.

I urge you to be astute leaders and ensure that the congregation of West Hill is represented by Randy Bowes at this interview, and that he be offered the right to speak on our behalf.

This congregation is well served by Greta Vosper and needs to be represented at the meeting.

As a justice seeking people, we recognize the truth in the truism that justice must not only be seen but also be seen to be done ... We call on Toronto Conference to recognize both the wisdom and fairness in welcoming the participation of the congregation ... It is an opportunity for the review committee to hear from those who are usually among the most essential voices to hear in any clergy review