A committee of the United Church of Canada has voted to expel Rev. Gretta Vosper for her steadfast atheism. The panel judging the reverend said she would not be eligible for admission given her beliefs. Four members of the 23-member committee however voted to support Vosper. They concluded that she was “suitable” as a minister. They said the church has evolved since its founding and must continue doing so to meet the spiritual needs of Canadians. For her part, the former pastor of West Hill United Church argues that her spiritual home has always been about “ethos” not belief. This seems to suggest that fellowship, kindness and similar upstanding qualities are sufficient to qualify one for such a position in the church.
