I am a member of St. Luke
Lutheran Church in Long Island, NY.
I would like to comment on the decision suspending Dr. Benke as the President
of the Atlantic District as the result of his participation in the prayer
service in Yankee Stadium.
I am the Director Of Construction and an Administrator for the MediSys Health
Network consisting of Jamaica Hospital, Brookdale Hospital, and Flushing
Hospital. I have followed this case closely because of my personal involvements
in the events of 9/11. I continue to serve as a member of the MediSys Health
Network Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Task Force which works closely
with the Greater New York Hospital Association and other federal, state and
local authorities.
The events of 9/11 and the threat of future terrorism are very real to me
because I am in an information loop that most do not see. The Pastors and
congregations that had the time to bring these charges against Dr. Benke
obviously live in a world very different from mine and others touched by
the horrific events of 9/11. I noted that they are all from outside of this
area and obviously out of touch with the very real issues of life in these
trying times. Their exclusionary attitudes are precisely the same spawning
grounds for hatred and terror as the Muslim extremists who require the elimination
of all non-Muslims.
I contend that they should all be required to perform a rotation in the neighborhoods
of New York and other large cities to bring them back to the reality of the
purpose of their ministries. Just as Jesus was willing to walk, work and
live among all members of society, so should these members of our religion.
And what of the Judge of these charges? Wallace Schulz, a radio personality
for the Lutheran Hour? A media ministry, which is meant to bring the word
of God to ALL? And this individual refers to the other members of our society
as "Pagans"! How hypocritical! Was there no one else besides this media minister
to pass judgment on something as serious as these charges? What happened
to the principle of judgment by one's peers?
Needless to say I am clearly upset and disappointed by the handling of this
matter. What upsets me most is the methodology of this whole process from
an organization that should be, but is obviously not, rooted in Jesus Christ.
WWJD, What Would Jesus Do? I don't think that He would ever have made this
decision against Dr. Benke because it smacks against the basic and most fundamental
tenants of His teachings.
I hope and pray that the Holy Spirit works its way back into the governing
body of our religion so that the decision against Dr. Benke is reversed and
that he is instead encouraged to continue his leadership for the benefit
of us all.
Hans W. Kuenstler, R.A., A.I.A.
Director, Construction
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
Brookdale Hospital Medical Center
Flushing Hospital Medical Center
