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	Layperson Believes "Intent" Is Important in Benke Case
Home For Members For Pastors/Leaders Helpful Secular Sites Contact Us Suggest New Links Our Purpose Advertise on L/C Frequently Asked	I am sending this e-mail to voice my strong opposition to Rev. Schulz’s decision to suspend Rev. Dr. David Benke.  I am a member of the LCMS, a layperson.  I have read the original allegations and charges presented by other LCMS pastors and churches.  I have read Dr. Benke's response.  I have read Rev. Schultz's Report on Allegations Against Benke.  I have read some documents printed in defense of Dr. Benke's participation in the Yankee Stadium interfaith service.  I have seen television interviews expressing both views in the Benke case.  Obviously I do not know all the details of this situation.  I am not formally trained in Lutheran theology.  However, I do recognize when something does not make any sense, and this case truly does not. In a nutshell, Dr. Benke obtained approval to participate in this interfaith service.  He had no control over what the other participants in this service were going to say nor how they were going to present their prayers on behalf of the Sept. 11 victims.  Dr. Benke had no control over the impression that television viewers were feeling while watching the service on TV.  I can understand people disagreeing with Dr. Benke's participation in the service.  I can understand disagreements among Lutheran clergy. I do not understand how this one act can warrant suspension and ultimate removal from membership in LCMS!  Rev. Schultz says more than once in his document dated June 25, 2002 that Dr. Benke's intent is not the point, and that his (Rev. Schultz) decision is regardless of Dr. Benke's intent.  I believe "intent" is a very important consideration in the whole process.  The impression this whole process leaves in my mind, a layperson's mind, is that there is a personal vendetta going on here behind the scenes that was not presented in Rev. Schultz's facts of the case. My impression is that the LCMS is a very frightening church if a member can be expelled for participating in an interfaith service at a time of national crisis.  And if someone responds to that comment by saying that such action would not be taken against other LCMS members, then this will confirm my impression of a personal vendetta against Dr. Benke! Sincerely,  Cathy Westwood, Saginaw, Michigan