[URBAN NOTE] "Flock sticks with atheist United Church minister"

[rfmcdonald]

Moira Welsh's article in the Toronto Star describes how the congregation of United Church of Canada minister Gretta Vosper, whose church has recommended her removal from her position on account of her disbelief in core tenets of Christianity, remains loyal to her. I appreciate the congregation's loyalty, and think there may be much good in Vosper's arguments. I just question whether the United Church is the right place for it.

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

Today, as a longtime member of the West Hill United Church congregation 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 without referring to 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.”

About 200 people attended the service at West Hill, at Morningside Rd. and Kingston Rd., on Sunday morning — the first service since the church’s Toronto Conference Review Committee released a 39-page report last Wednesday on the minister’s non-traditional views.

“In our opinion, she is not suitable to continue in ordained ministry because she does not believe in God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit,” the report stated.