Atheist minister defends her views at United Church 'inquisition'

[rug]

Colin Perkel, The Canadian Press
Published Thursday, June 30, 2016 12:52PM EDT

TORONTO -- An avowed atheist fighting to keep her job as a United Church minister is now waiting to hear if a review panel will recommend she be defrocked for violating her ordination vows.

In an appearance before the panel this week, Gretta Vosper defended her views, which include a lack of belief in God and the Bible.

"The reason why Rev. Vosper finds herself on the receiving end of a Church inquisition is due to her use and adoption of the term 'atheist'," her written submissions state.

"Rev. Vosper adopted the label 'atheist' in 2013 as an expression of solidarity with people around the world who were being persecuted and murdered for challenging religious fundamentalism and extremism."

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/atheist-minister-defends-her-views-at-united-church-inquisition-1.2968381

[LongtimeAZDem]

1. As an atheist, I gotta say that the church has a point

if she doesn't believe in a god or the Bible, then they are withing their rights to say that she cannot represent them.

[Runningdawg]

2. Not a Christian, not an Atheist

but I agree with you. A person who does not believe in God should not lead people who do. There are a variety of other ways she can serve her community.

[hrmjustin]

3. She should resign her ministry in that church.

[AtheistCrusader]

5. Why?

If this is true:

"Vosper also pointed out that members of her congregation -- many of whom were on hand to cheer her on -- were highly supportive of her."

If that is accurate, why resign?

[hrmjustin]

6. Because the parish is a member of a denomination and the larger church decides qualifications

for ministry.

[AtheistCrusader]

7. Seems a bit... un-Democratic.

[hrmjustin]

8. She knew the rules and what was expected of her.

[cleanhippie]

9. How very authoritarian of you.

[AtheistCrusader]

10. I'm still not understanding why serving the congregation isn't sufficient.

If they're happy, who cares what the org thinks, right?

[hrmjustin]

11. Because to be a member of that denomination there are certain things clergy need to do and profess.

If the parish wishes to seperate from the denomination they can take the steps to do that.

[struggle4progress]

4. Ernst Bloch to Jürgen Moltmann: “Only an atheist can be a good Christian”

Jürgen Moltmann to Ernst Bloch: “Only a Christian can be a good atheist”