Schulz Fired From Lutheran Hour
Missouri Witches Back Benke
By Rev. Jack Cascione

Reclaim News has received numerous unconfirmed reports that Second LCMS Vice President Wallace Schulz, after 25 years of preaching, has been fired from the Lutheran Hour.

There is now no question that the reports, which have been denied by staff at the Lutheran Laymen's League (LLL) headquarters in St. Louis, are true. According to the LLL's own website Schulz has been fired.

The LLL Board of Directs objects to Schulz suspending Atlantic District President David Benke because Benke had participated in a joint worship service with Moslems, Buddhists, etc. at Yankee Stadium.

Evidently, the LLL is interested in Schulz preaching the Word of God, but objects to Schulz acting on it. The LCMS Constitution ruling that Schulz enforced reads in the Benke Case as follows:

"Article VI Conditions of Members, Conditions for acquiring and holding membership in the Synod are as follows: 2. Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every descriptions such as: b. Taking part in the service and sacrament rites of heterodox congregations or of congregations of mixed confession;" (page 8)

Articles promoting and endorsing Schulz's preaching are being taken off of the LLL Website.

The following is the actual LLL release on Schulz's removal:

Schulz Relieved of Duties at Lutheran Hour Ministries

St. Louis, Mo., July 12, 2002 - In an effort to maintain focus on mission and ministry, the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) Executive Committee has affirmed the executive director's decision to relieve the Rev. Dr. Wallace Schulz from his duties at Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM). Schulz will remain an LHM employee receiving full compensation while the Int'l LLL Board of Governors reviews and evaluates the best way to separate the ministry from political polarization.

The move comes following continued controversy concerning a decision made by Schulz in his capacity as second vice president of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). On June 25 Dr. Schulz suspended the Rev. Dr. David H. Benke from two leadership posts within the LCMS Atlantic District.

In mid-February, the Int'l LLL Executive Committee requested Schulz recuse himself from adjudicating the controversial Benke issue fearing a conflict of interest. Lutheran Hour Ministries, as an auxiliary of the LCMS, has no official position on the Synodical decision.

'The effect of Dr. Schulz's decision has compromised the ministry's mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations - and the Nations to the Church,' said LHM Executive Director Rodger Hebermehl. 'Lutheran Hour Ministries is seeking a swift, fair, God-pleasing resolution that will resolve these matters and restore the confidence of our donors, pastors and lay people.'

Lutheran Hour Ministries, with headquarters in St. Louis, is a service of the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) a volunteer organization of 130,000 members. The Int'l LLL is an auxiliary of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church-Canada.

For more information, please contact: Jim Telle (800) 944-3450, ext. 4171 http://www.lhm.org

---

The following is a letter to the Springfield-Leader, in Springfield, Missouri from a coven of witches who publicly endorse Benke because he is open to praying with non-Christians:

Religion

Minister acted appropriately

Rev. David Benke has been suspended for participating in an interfaith service for families of those killed Sept. 11 and he has been ordered to apologize for mixing Christian and non-Christian views of Deity.

Apparently consorting with pagans is a serious offense and Rev. Benke could be tossed out of the Lutheran Church for his unacceptable behavior.

We think he did the right thing. He opened his heart and his mind to reach out to those who needed human comfort regardless of faith or culture. If that includes Muslims or Hindus, then all the better. Shouldn't we be talking to each other? Is holding the Christian God higher than the Islamic God or the Hindu Gods going to bring about world peace?

We folks from Greenleaf Coven congratulate and support Rev. David Benke. If he gets kicked off the Lutheran clergy roster, he will continue to be an honorable man. His Christian faith and his personal grace earns him a position among the truly spiritual. If more people had his attitude, this would be a better world.

Rev. Patricia A. Allgeier,
Rev. Kathleen P. Barton
and Rev. William D. Byler,
Greenleaf Coven, Springfield

---

Commentary:
There are a number of Directors in the LLL who support Benke. Perhaps they should consider Benke as a replacement for Schulz?

July 13, 2002