United Church dismisses appeal by atheist minister to halt review

[rug]

The review could lead to the defrocking of Gretta Vosper, an ordained minister who believes in neither God nor the Bible.



Gretta Vosper, an atheist United Minister holds a Sunday service at West Hill United Church in January. Vosper told The Canadian Press that she was “incredibly disappointed” by the decision to move forward with he)r review. (J.P. MOCZULSKI / THE TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO)

By Colin Perkel The Canadian Press
Published on Thu Mar 31 2016

The United Church has decided to go ahead with an unprecedented review that could lead to the defrocking of an ordained minister who believes in neither God nor Bible.

In a brief one-page decision this week, a judicial committee of the church dismissed an appeal by Gretta Vosper to halt the planned review.

“After fully and thoroughly considering all submissions by the appellant and respondent, the executive of the judicial committee decided that the appeal did not meet the grounds for an appeal,” the ruling states.

Among other things, the committee said the ruling initiating the hearing of Vosper’s fitness to lead her east-end congregation came after full and complete consideration. The committee also held, without elaborating, that the decision accorded with the rules of natural justice.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/03/31/united-church-dismisses-appeal-of-atheist-minister-to-halt-review.html

[Manifestor_of_Light]

1. I don't know what the "United Church" is.

In the United States she could be a Unitarian-Universalist minister with no problem at all.

[rug]

2. It's the largest Protestant Church in Canada.

It's a merger of Methodist, Congregationalists, Presbyterians, and Brethren. Their theology is pretty much conventional reformed protestant. She really doesn't have much of a case.

You're right. She would do just fine with the UUs. There are about 50 of those congregations scattered across Canada.

[Android3.14]

3. The UUs would probably reject her as a minister as well

Because she went to the United Church, which is obviously incompatible with atheism, the UUs would question her motives, and agenda if she were to approach them.

[Koinos]

4. The UUs have even accepted former southern Baptist ministers.

The UUs are a pretty broadminded group.

[Goblinmonger]

5. I've been a member of a UU fellowship (in the U.S.) Your position just isn't true.

We had an atheist minister. He was married to a Protestant minister. She held services when needed at our fellowship. We have ministers that are from other denominations.

UUs are not completely and atheist organization. There are a lot of atheists in my fellowship, but I wouldn't even think we are near the majority.

[Android3.14]

7. I also have signed the book

The UUs would be cautious about this person, not because she is an atheist, but because she seems to have an agenda that appears to conflict with the call to ministering, regardless of religion or non religion.

[hrmjustin]

6. She should resign her ministry if she lost her faith.