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#Post#: 2206--------------------------------------------------
United Church of Canada to Investigate Atheist Minister
By: Kerry Date: June 3, 2015, 7:01 am
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What a strange story. Look at the bureaucracy involved. I'd
think someone in church hierarchy would tell this minister to
resign and putting the pressure on instead of holding a long
drawn-out investigation. Maybe she needs mental help. Why
would an atheist want to be a minister?
From christianpost.com
HTML http://www.christianpost.com/news/united-church-of-canada-to-investigate-effectiveness-of-minister-who-professes-atheism-139696/:<br
/>
A regional body of the United Church of Canada will interview a
clergywoman who is an outspoken atheist to see about her
"effectiveness."
In June, the Toronto Conference of the UCC will enact a formal
process known as a review regarding the Rev. Gretta Vosper, an
author and founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive
Christianity who is also a professed atheist.
The Rev. David W. Allen, executive secretary of the UCC Toronto
Conference, told The Christian Post about the investigative
process.
"A review is a formal process within the United Church which is
ordered when serious questions have been raised about a
minister's effectiveness," said Rev. Allen.
"In this case, a team of five people will interview Ms. Vosper.
They will report to a larger committee of 40 people, and that
committee will give its opinion to the sub-Executive of Toronto
Conference on whether Ms. Vosper is suitable for ministry within
The United Church of Canada."
For Rev. Vosper, Allen explained that the review process will
involve interviewing Vosper to see if she continues to affirm
certain questions asked during her ordination.
Allen said these specific questions are "Do you believe in God:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and do you commit yourself anew to
God?" "Do you believe that God is calling you to the ordained
ministry of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care, and do you accept
this call?" and finally "Are you willing to exercise your
ministry in accordance with the scriptures, in continuity with
the faith of the Church, and subject to the oversight and
discipline of The United Church of Canada?"
According to her website, Vosper came out as an atheist back in
2001 and wants the UCC, which she describes as "probably the
most progressive Christian denomination in the world," to be
more welcoming of atheism.
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