Flock sticks with atheist United Church minister

[rug]

Despite United Church committee’s report recommending her removal, Gretta Vosper’s congregation hangs tight.



United Church minister Gretta Vosper holds services at West Hill United Church for the first time since a church committee recommended she be removed for atheism. (RANDY RISLING / TORONTO STAR)

By MOIRA WELSH
Sun., Sept. 11, 2016

Jeanne Hamel has been a member of the United Church since it started in Toronto, 91 years ago.

Today, as a longtime member of the West Hill United church in Scarborough, Hamel, 96, knows where her loyalties lie.

Hamel is sticking with Gretta Vosper, the United Church minister who was told by church leaders that she is “not suitable” because she calls herself an atheist and preaches about love instead of Jesus Christ.

“Wherever Gretta goes, I go,” said Hamel, after the Sunday morning service. “My heart left the United Church when I heard they had rejected Gretta. I was stunned.”

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/09/11/flock-sticks-with-atheist-united-church-minister.html

[Ilsa]

1. Well, I can see why she'd need to be removed.

If she wants to go start the Church of Love, that's great. But don't use another church's facilities and congregation unless you are going to stick with their doctrine.

[struggle4progress]

2. United Church about ethos, not belief, says minister who faces defrocking

CBC News
Posted: Sep 09, 2016 7:59 AM ET
Last Updated: Sep 09, 2016 7:59 AM ET

An outwardly atheist United Church minister who stands to be defrocked for her beliefs told Metro Morning Friday that embracing different interpretations of God has always been a tenet of the church and is something that should be celebrated and supported, not punished.

"The United Church has always been about ethos, it has not been about belief," Rev. Gretta Vosper told host Matt Galloway. "That's the United Church that many people have been drawn to" ...

"Ms. Vosper does not recognize the primacy of scripture, she will not conduct the sacraments, and she is no longer in essential agreement with the statement of doctrine of the United Church of Canada" ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=post&forum=1218&pid=235850

[rug]

3. It really is pointless to stay with a group you disagree with.

[immoderate]

4. Unless you want to guide them.

--imm

[rug]

5. Ah, she can evangelize them!

[immoderate]

6. The congregation already accepts her. It's the authorities...

--imm

[rug]

7. So, she can proselytize the higher ups.

Just like Matteo Ricci and the Wanli Emperor!

[immoderate]

8. I suppose she can.

--imm

[Angry Dragon]

9. I thought Jesus Christ was all about love

unless I heard wrong when they were brainwashing me ..............