"Jesus First" Claims CCM [Not the Bible] Exonerates Benke

By: Rev. Jack Cascione
The front page of the April 2003 issue of "Jesus First" applauds the recent CCM ruling, that the approval of an ecclesiastical supervisor gives the subordinate pastor immunity from expulsion from the Synod.

The Bible says we should obey God rather than men, but now the CCM has ruled that approval from the ecclesiastical supervisor gives automatic immunity from expulsion.

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"JESUS FIRST - Issue 30 - April 2003

CCM RULES PRES. BENKE CHARGES INADMISSIBLE

Synod's Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) has announced a binding opinion that clarifies procedures for disciplining a District President. For all practical purposes, the embarrassing Benke affair is over.

A Dispute Resolution Panel convened last Fall to address the conflict over President Benke's prayer in a community event after the September 11 World Trade Center tragedy.  Twenty-one individuals/congregations charged him with the heresy of syncretism and unionism for praying in the presence of those representing other religions.

In December the panelists formally asked the CCM several questions about provisions of the Synod Constitution and Bylaws relating to ecclesiastical supervision.

Before he participated, President Benke sought and received the approval of his ecclesiastical supervisor, Synod's President Gerald Kieschnick.  The core issue is whether a member of Synod can be disciplined for actions taken with approval of his/her ecclesiastical supervisor.

The most basic ruling is that the bylaws relating to the ecclesiastical supervision of a District President over a pastor apply also to the ecclesiastical supervision of the Synod President over a District President.

The opinion of the CCM most directly relevant to District President Benke was in answer to this question, "May an ordained or commissioned minister or a member of a congregation who has acted in a matter after receiving the advice and authorization of his/her District President be charged under bylaw 2.27 for such an act, which could result in removal from the roster of the Synod?

The CCM's clear answer:  No."    DSL
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Did the readers notice that "Jesus First" makes no appeal to the authority of the Word of God, but the authority of the ecclesiastical supervisor for membership on the Synodical roster?  A growing convoluted labyrinth of Synodical Bylaws and CCM rulings in the LCMS has usurped the authority of the Bible and replaced it with the rule of men.

"Jesus First" is a masquerade for, "Our legalistic politics must rule the Synod."

Christ clearly addressed the clergy's love for men's rules when he says, "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.  For laying aside the commandment of God ye hold the tradition of men . . . (Mark 7:7-8a)"

Now "Jesus First" says following the approval of the ecclesiastical supervisor guarantees a pastor's membership on the Synodical roster.  What happened to following the approval of God's Word?

Peter and John didn't have the approval of the Jewish ecclesiastical supervisors to speak in Jesus' name but replied "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye." (Acts 4:19)

When the Jewish ecclesiastical supervisors wanted to throw the Apostles out of the Temple we read: "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, 'We ought to obey God rather than men.'" (Acts 5:29)

Without the authority of the LCMS Convention the CCM has amended LCMS Constitution Article XIII which states: "Expulsion from the Synod: 1. Members who act contrary to the confession laid down in Article II of the conditions of membership laid down in Article VI or persist in an offensive conduct shall, after previous futile admonition, be expelled from the Synod."  Article II is the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions.

Now the CCM says the approval of the ecclesiastical supervisor trumps the Word of God, and the Synod is once again shackled with Papalism from which Luther and Walther had freed it.

With the approval of Benke's actions by the CCM and ecclesiastical supervisors "Jesus First" doesn't need the Bible.  With a little more helpfrom the clergy, the lay people won't even miss it.

God bless the LCMS pension fund.

April 10, 2003