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Lutheran Central |
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Copies of Letters Sent to Kieschnick and Benke |
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President Kieschnick:
I am astounded by the announcement of the suspension of Pastor Benke due to his participation in the post-9/11 prayer service. I have read your statement in support of Pastor Benke's participation and fully agree with your position. While I agree that a discussion on syncretism and participation in secular events is necessary, this issue should have been handled with much more care than what it was. The potential far-reaching negative effect on the public perception of the Lutheran church from this initial decision should be of great concern to you and every Lutheran. I can only ask that you expedite the appeal and review process and finally resolve this issue quickly before any further damage to the Lutheran Church is done. I can only believe that the vast majority of Lutherans disagree with Dr. Shulz's decision and I know that there are many Lutherans that will be called to action if this decision is not ultimately reversed. As for me, I will follow the commands of Christ to spread the gospel to every nation, including our own. I will not be associated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod if this decision, which I strongly believe is counter to the commands of Christ, is allowed to stand. Respectfully, Derek B. Roesener Indianapolis ------------------------------------------------------ Dr. Benke: Thank you for proclaiming to the world the love of God and the name of Jesus our Savior. No matter what any Synod official proclaims about your participation in the "Prayer for America" event, we must and will obey the command of Jesus Himself to spread the gospel to every nation, including our own nation. While I am encouraged by the expressed support of President Kieschnick for your participation in the event, I am deeply troubled that this first decision by Dr. Schulz may seriously impede the growth of the Lutheran church. This matter should have been handled with much more carefully in order to prevent the potential far-reaching effect on the public perception of the Lutheran Church that I fear this first decision will have. It appears to me that little thought was put into how this issue should be handled to be in the best interest of the Lutheran Church. I believe that a vast majority of Lutherans disagree with this decision and support your participation in the "Prayer for America" event. Further, I know that there are other people like me that are called to action by this decision. As a life-long Lutheran and a member of a founding family of a century-old Lutheran congregation, I cannot and will not let this decision stand. I will not be associated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod if pastors are suspended for following the commands of Christ. I will make my views known and ask others to do the same. Hopefully this matter will be finally resolved very quickly and this egregious decision completely reversed. Please accept my support and prayers during this time. In His Service, Derek B. Roesener Indianapolis
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