An unprecedented ecclesiastical court hearing that could see the United Church defrock a self-professed atheist minister who does not believe in the Bible has been postponed indefinitely. However, Vosper, who is the minister at West Hill United Church in Toronto’s east end, recently received a letter informing her of the delay. Acting on complaints about Vosper, a United Church reviewing panel in September last year recommended in a split decision that Vosper be defrocked for her beliefs. “Even if they were to find a United Church member who had never heard of me, as soon as the issues were shared, the individual would very likely have a strong opinion.” Read more: Flock sticks with atheist United Church minister ‘Sad day’ for United Church, says atheist minister Gretta Vosper I can’t believe in an atheist minister — even in the United Church: DiManno The minister, who was ordained in 1993 and joined her West Hill congregation in 1997, has been upfront about her beliefs for years. Most of her current congregants are supportive of her views but some church members have been critical, saying her beliefs are at fundamental odds with United Church doctrine and values.

Source: thestar November 14, 2017 19:52 UTC