The following letter was written by LCMS First Vice
President, Rev. Daniel Preus, objecting to LCMS Atlantic District President,
Dr. David Benke's participation in a joint prayer service with Moslems, Jews,
and other religions. President Kieschnick has already given his approval of
Benke's actions.
Date: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 11:39:45 –0500
From: Daniel Preus
Subject: FW: Dr. Benke's participation - your public opinion?
To: Steve Flo
Dear Pastor Flo,
I appreciate your question. A great deal of discussion has resulted from
the participation of President Benke in the Interfaith Service which took
place at Yankee Stadium on September 23. So many people are talking about this
event that it is clear the issue won't simply fade in a few days' time. It
seems as though the reactions are a bit of a microcosm representing different
views within our church in matters of fellowship. It is therefore essential
that we talk about this event - hopefully in a way that will be constructive
for the church at large and especially for our Lutheran Church--Missouri
Synod.
I hope you don't mind if I make a few general remarks about recent events
before I answer your question. It is important to me that my remarks occur in
a context that demonstrates that I do appreciate the extremely trying times
that President Benke and others have been working in as they attempt to bring
comfort to our church and particularly to those whose lives have been
devastated by the loss of loved ones at the World Trade Center or at the
Pentagon. I think we need to be as supportive as we can of the work which he
and others are doing to bring comfort, hope and material assistance to those
still living who have been victimized by this national tragedy. >From Dr.
Benke's description of what has happened in Manhattan, it became clear to me
that those of us who have not been there can hardly understand the enormity of
the destruction that took place and I fully support President Benke's desire
to offer relief and help to all those who need it.
When it comes to the Interfaith Service in Yankee Stadium, however, I
cannot come to any conclusion except that his participation was wrong. Since I
have received numerous letters emails and phone calls expressing dismay at his
participation, I have done everything I can to familiarize myself with what
actually took place. Last night, for example, I watched a video of the event
since I had missed it on TV. I also called President Benke to tell him of my
concern and my desire to speak with him in detail as soon as we have the
opportunity. In the meantime, the more I learn about the events, the more I am
convinced that it was a unionistic and syncretistic service for it not only
involved Christians of differing beliefs in a common service but even brought
pagans and Christians together in prayer as though all were praying to the
same god or as though prayers to false gods are as valid and effective as
those to the only true God, the Triune God.
The event was advertized as an "Interfaith Service" a
"Prayer Service" and a "Memorial Service." Dr. Benke
himself indicated that, in his view, God had turned "a field of dreams
into God's house of prayer." Christians and non-Christians came together
to pray with each other in a common service and there was no indication that
some prayers were more valid than others. Within the context of this service,
therefore, Christianity simply took its place as an equal among the world
religions. In this sense, the service was a model service for those who have
adopted a postmodern mindset which holds that all religious truths are equally
correct, each validated by the individual believer. A cafeteria style religion
has become increasingly popular in our age and the Christian insistence that,
of all world religions, only Christianity is true is seen by more and more
people as antiquated.
St. Paul tells the Corinthians, "Do not be unequally yoked together
with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And
what communion has light with darkness? And what acccord has Christ with
Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreemeent
has the temple of God with idols?... Therefore 'Come out from among them and
be separate, says the Lord.'" 2 Cor. 6:14-16a & 17 Paul also says to
the Romans, "Mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the
doctrine which you have learned and avoid them." Ro. 16:17 In order to
keep our Synod faithful to the Sciptures our synodical constitution requires
as a condition of membership, "Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of
every description, such as: a. Serving congregations of mixed confession, as
such, by ministers of the church; and b. Taking part in the services and
sacramental rites of heterodox congregations or congregations of mixed
confession." (Article VI, 2) There is really no doubt that the
congregation gathered together in Yankee Stadium on September 23 was one of
mixed confession.
Pastor Flo, I have no desire to question President Benke's motives in
participating in this Interfaith Service. Nevertheless, however well intended
his participation was, I believe it was contrary to the teaching of Scripture
and our Lutheran Confessions and in violation of our Synod's Constitution.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Daniel Preus