Regarding the evolving
controversies, regarding Rev. Benke's participation in the multi-faith prayer
ceremony, I would like to state my preliminary views, with a hope that it
helps you resolve the challenging issues you face.
In my view, to participate without objection in such a ceremony, which placed
polytheistic religions on the same level as the worship of our one true God,
is probably an abomination to God, and is similar to Peter denying Christ.
In this respect, I think Dr. Schulz and I would concur.
If a church leader decides to participate in such an event, he should make
it clear to the audience that polytheism, which leads people astray from
God, is the work of Satan. I believe this is what Jesus would have done,
since Jesus, on several occasions described in the Bible, was forthright
and unambiguous with regard to identifying the work of Satan, although I
may be misunderstanding an important pattern in his methods.
If a church leader in his judgment instead deemed such a course too rude,
or inappropriate, or wrong, or if he could not muster the strength to so
forcefully share his true convictions, or better yet, to do so firmly but
gently, he should then not participate in such events.
Given that Lutherans are usually non-confrontational, yet slow and steady,
I would have expected this second course.
But to attend and offer a less-than-vigorous prayer, all while not speaking
out against polytheistic religions--well, that seems conduct unbecoming a
church leader, in my not necessarily correct nor sufficiently humble opinion.
It seemingly condones polytheism, seemingly lends credence to polytheism,
and, consequently, seemingly and subtly denies the one true God.
What would you think of a politician who spoke at a rally where leaders of
the KKK also spoke, all while not condemning the views of the KKK? With
obvious differences, isn't this akin to what Rev. Benke did? Clearly, Rev.
Benke had good intentions. But good intentions aren't always enough.
Assuming Rev. Benke regrets giving the appearance of lending credence to
polytheism, I think he should be reprimanded and he should issue a simple
written admission of error, written but unadorned with defensive or evasive
language.
But he should otherwise maintain all of his positions within the LCMS. Mitigating
circumstances include that Rev. Gerald Kieschnick gave Rev. Benke his blessings,
and that the prayer ceremony occurred very soon after the tragic attacks
of September 11, 2001, which, in my view, were emotionally powerful and of
Biblical proportions.
Before closing, I am also concerned about insinuations that the prayer offered
by Rev. Benke was intentionally watered-down, politically correct, and delivered
to be inoffensive to those in the audience that did not believe Jesus is
the Savior. I have not yet found a transcript or recording of the prayer
as delivered, but understand that Rev. Benke has acknowledged soft or imprecise
wording, and expressed remorse. Sadly, he chalked it up to spontaneous deviations
from the written prayer he had intended to deliver. Intentional or otherwise,
I chalk it up to the same force that influenced Peter to deny Christ, an
influence I myself have succumbed to more than once--that is, a temptation
to fit in with and be accepted by non-believers.
In closing, please reconcile quickly.
I pray that you solve this dispute soon, peacefully, unanimously, without
LCMS schism, and without additional negative media attention.
Thank you and may God Bless you in your efforts at resolution. Remember
the secular world is watching you, and you have much more important work
to do than to quibble.
Mike Morgan, member of a Our Savior Lutheran Church in Shorewood/Excelsior,
Minnesota, LCMS
