January 9, 2002	The Rev. Charles Henrickson
	7606 Terri Lynn Dr.     Affton, MO 63123
	henricksonc@earthlink.net     (314) 351-2098

“A Prayer for America,” Presidents Benke and Kieschnick, and Joint Worship with ELCA

This file (“benke3”) contains new and revised material not found in the previous file (“benke2”); some of the previous material is not included here.  Items included are not necessarily complete; they may be selected excerpts.  Information is provided, though, with which to find the complete item.  Also, the materials in this file are arranged in a more logical order than in the previous file.

Page	Content
2	Mayor Giuliani Announces “A Prayer for America”
2-4	“Uniting in Prayer: Yankee Stadium to host massive interfaith service”
4	Clerics Participating in “A Prayer for America”
5	C-SPAN online video and videotape of New York City Prayer Service, 09/23/01
5-6	Excerpts from “A Prayer for America”
6-7	President Benke’s Remarks and Prayer at “A Prayer for America”
7	Sample news reports on “A Prayer for America”
8-9	Discrepancies between what Benke actually said and the Benke-Kieschnick website version
9-10	1998:  “Benke Apologizes to Synod over Prayer Service”
10	Benke’s website comments on his apology, posted sometime after October 22, 1998
10	“A letter from President David Benke issued on September 24, following the interfaith event at Yankee Stadium”
10-11	A Statement from Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick President of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod Regarding Atlantic District President David Benke’s Participation In “A Prayer for America” At Yankee Stadium
11	A Statement from Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, President of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
11	Kieschnick issues statement
12-16	Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne Faculty Statement:  “A Pastoral Response to the Events of September 11, 2001”
16	Links: Resolutions passed by district pastors’ conferences; “Unionism and Syncretism” study
16-17	Benke, Kieschnick participate in joint worship services with ELCA
17-18	Benke’s comments as he meets again with ELCA
18	Kieschnick:  “Synodical Solidarity”
19-21	Readings on Unionism and Syncretism

May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church, grant you wisdom as you consider this matter.

For the sake of the clear confession of the Gospel of Christ,

The Rev. Charles Henrickson

	Mayor Giuliani Announces “A Prayer for America”

http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2001b/pr321-01.html
Press Release #321-01
Thursday, September 20, 2001

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced “A Prayer for America,” an interfaith service for the families and colleagues of the victims of the World Trade Center tragedy.

The event will take place at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, September 23 at 2:30 p.m., rain or shine. The service will be broadcast live via satellite. . . . Mayor Giuliani and Governor George Pataki will speak at the event, along with Cardinal Egan, Imam Pasha, and other leaders of the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faiths.

“This event will give families of victims and those affected by the tragedy an opportunity to come together, worship together, and gain strength from the support of their fellow New Yorkers, and fellow Americans,” said Mayor Giuliani. “I encourage all New Yorkers to participate in their own way--either at the event, through their houses of worship or in their homes.”

. . . The event will also be broadcast via satellite at local houses of worship, and on television.

	“Uniting in Prayer: Yankee Stadium to host massive interfaith service”

http://www.newsday.com/features/religion/ny-nymain232380683sep23.story?coll=ny%2Dreligion%2Dheadlines
September 23, 2001

MAYOR RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI AND THE CITY OF NEW YORK HOST:
A PRAYER FOR AMERICA
SUNDAY, SEPT. 23, 2001, YANKEE STADIUM

A Prayer for America, a memorial service at Yankee Stadium hosted by the City of New York, begins today at 2:30 p.m. . . . this is rundown of the service that can be clipped out and taken along.

INTRODUCTION:  James Earl Jones

WELCOME:  Oprah Winfrey

PRESENTATION OF COLORS:  Admiral Robert Natter, Cmdr. in Chief, Atlantic Fleet
New York City Inter-Agency Uniformed Color Guard
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Joint Military Color Guard

SINGING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Police Officer Danny Rodriguez, Sgt. Kim Royster, Police Officer Ann Marie Moloney

INVOCATIONS 
His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Fire Department Chaplain

BLOWING OF THE SHOFAR
Rabbi Haskel Lookstein

JEWISH PRAYER AND REFLECTION
Prayer for the Country:  Rabbi Arthur Schneier
Prayer for the Families:  Rabbi Alvin Kass, NYPD Chaplain
Reflection:  Rabbi Marc Gellman, President, NY Board of Rabbis
Reading Psalm 23:  Rabbi Joy Levitt

Ave Maria:  Placido Domingo with the Amor-Artis Chorus and Orchestra

REMARKS
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani

RINGING OF THE BELL
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

CATHOLIC PRAYER AND REFLECTION
Reading:  Roman 8:38-39 in Spanish:  Griselda Cuevas, Incarnation Parish, Manhattan
    Romans 8:36-39 in English:  Firefighter George Reece
Reflection and Prayer:  The Most Rev. Thomas V. Daily, Bishop of Brooklyn

SIKH PRAYER/REFLECTION 
Dr. Inberjit Singh, Sikh Temple, Richmond Hills

Lift Every Voice and Sing:  The Boys Choir of Harlem, The Girls Choir of Harlem

REMARKS
Gov. George Pataki

ADHAN CALL TO PRAYER BY THE MUEZZIN
Brother Abdul Wali Y. Shaheed
      Translated by Sister Zaimah Sabree, Masjid Malcolm Shabazz

MUSLIM PRAYER AND REFLECTION
Prayer:  Imam Fajri Ansari
Prayer:  Imam Muhammad Shamsi-Ali
Reflection:  Imam Izak-EL M. Pasha, NYPD chaplain,
      with Lt. Sharif Nasef and Officer Adil Almonpaser

“Wind Beneath My Wings”:  Bette Midler

RINGING OF THE BELL
The Rev. Earnest Lyght, Bishop

Council of Churches of the City of New York Prayer and Reflection
Reading of Psalm 34:1-8:  The Rev. Carolyn Holloway
Prayer:  The Right Rev. Mark Siak [Sisk]
Reading of Matthew 5:3-12:  The Rev. James Forbes
Prayer:  His Eminence Archbishop Anania Arapajinn, Armenian Church in America
Reflection:  Rev. Calvin Butts, president, Council of Churches of the City of New York
Prayer:  Rev. David Benke

“God Bless the USA”:  Lee Greenwood

BENEDICTIONS
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrious, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America
Pandit Roop Sukhram, Hindu Sreeraam Temple, Brooklyn

America the Beautiful: The Amor-Artis Chorus and Orchestra with Police Officer Danny Rodriguez

	Clerics Participating in “A Prayer for America”

His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Fire Department Chaplain
Rabbi Haskel Lookstein
Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Park East Synagogue, President, Appeal of Consciousness Foundation
Rabbi Alvin Kass, Police Department Chaplain
Rabbi Marc Gellman, President, New York Board of Rabbis
Rabbi Joy Levitt
The Most Rev. Thomas V. Daily, Bishop of Brooklyn
Dr. Inberjit Singh, Sikh Temple, Richmond Hills
Brother Abdul Wali Y. Shaheed
Imam Fajri Ansari
Imam Muhammad Shamsi-Ali
Sister Zaimah Sabree, Masjid Malcom Shabazz
Imam Izak-El M. Pasha, Police Department Chaplain
The Rev. Earnest Lyght, Bishop
The Rev. Carolyn Holloway, DeWitt Reformed Church, Manhattan
The Right Rev. Mark Sisk, Episcopal Bishop of New York
The Rev. Dr. James Forbes, Senior Pastor, Riverside Church
His Eminence Archbishop Anania Arapajinn. Armenian Church in America
The Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts, President, Council of Churches of the City of New York
The Rev. Dr. David Benke, President, Atlantic District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America
Pandit Roop Sukhram, Hindu Sreeraam Temple, Brooklyn

	C-SPAN online video and videotape of New York City Prayer Service, 09/23/01

Online video, available for free:
RealPlayer: New York City Prayer Service
09/23/2001 - 2:32:07.9
http://cspanrm.fplive.net:554/ramgen/cspan/gdrive/ter092301_nyprayer.rm?start=:09:19.0
President Benke is introduced at the 2:05:22 mark.

Videotape, available for purchase:
New York City Prayer Service
ID: 166250 - 09/23/2001 - 3:12 - $39.95
http://store.yahoo.com/c-spanstore/166250.html
This videotape is longer (more pre-service), so the time when Benke is introduced may be different.

	Excerpts from “A Prayer for America”

(Times listed according to RealPlayer online video.  Adjust accordingly for other recordings.)

:08	Mr. Jones:  “At this service. . . .”

:21	Miss Winfrey:  “To give the invocation for today’s service. . . .”

:21	Cardinal Egan:  “Almighty and Eternal Father, we are gathered here as your people and as your children. . . . Take our deceased brothers and sisters into your divine presence forever. . . .”

:32	Rabbi Kass:  “. . . these victims have now been welcomed into the arms of the Almighty. . . .”

:39	Rabbi Gellman:  “. . . for religious people of all faiths the proof comes from the way we know that we are bundled up in God’s love and the way we know our dear ones who have died are now wrapped up in the bundle of eternal life in the world to come in heaven. . . . But I want to say for those who cannot find hope through faith . . . the important task in our spiritual journey now is not for all of us to agree that the name of hope is God. . . .”

:42	Miss Winfrey:  “. . . Mayor Giuliani has a favorite hymn.  It’s Ave Maria.  And we have here to sing it. . . .”

1:06	Bishop Daily:  “Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.”

1:28	Gov. Pataki:  “And let us have faith that they too are united, with one another and with God.  Let us have faith that on that fateful morning, from the fury of violence, the souls of thousands rose.  Up from the cloud of dust and above freedom’s harbor, they traveled through the sky towards God and left the vivid air signed with their honor.”

1:29	Brother Shaheed (translated at 1:32):  “I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.  I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

1:40	Imam Pasha:  “. . . his messenger Muhammad. . . .”  “We are one with members of faith, both Jewish, Christian, and others here today and those who are absent.  We are believers.”

1:59	The Rev. Dr. Butts:  “This memorial service. . . .”
“And now I want to bring to you the Rev. Dr. David Benke, who is president of the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church, the Missouri Synod.”

2:05	President Benke:  “Oh, we’re stronger now than we were an hour ago. . . .” [see below]

2:12	Miss Winfrey:  “You know, I believe that when you lose a loved one, you gain an angel whose name you know.  Over 6000, and counting, angels added to the spiritual roster these past two weeks.  It is my prayer that they will keep us in their sight with a direct line to our hearts.  May we all leave this place and not let one single life have passed in vain.  May we leave this place determined to now use every moment that we have lived to turn up the volume in our own lives, to create deeper meaning, to know what really matters.  What really matters is who you love and how you love.”
“Here with the benediction for today’s service. . . .”

2:23	Miss Winfrey:  “To close today’s service. . . .”

	President Benke’s Remarks and Prayer at “A Prayer for America”

[President Benke was introduced by the Rev. Calvin Butts, who identified him as “the Rev. Dr. David Benke, who is President of the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church, the Missouri Synod.” President Benke, wearing a clerical shirt and collar and a pectoral cross, then said:]

Oh, we’re stronger now than we were an hour ago.  And you know, my sisters and brothers, we’re not nearly as strong as we’re going to be.  And the strength we have is the power of love.  And the power of love you have received is from God, for God is love.  So take the hand of one next to you now and join me in prayer on this “field of dreams” turned into God’s house of prayer:

O Lord our God, we’re leaning on You today.  You are our Tower of Strength, and we’re leaning on You. You are our Mighty Fortress, our God who is a Rock; in You do we stand.  Those of us who bear the name of Christ know that You stood so tall when You stooped down to send a Son through death and life to bring us back together, and we lean on You today.

O Tower of Strength, be with those who mourn the loss of loved ones; bring them closer to us day by day.

O Heavenly Father, we pray at this time that You might extend Jacob’s ladder for those who ascended the stairways to save us, as others escaped the fire and flames.

O Tower of Strength, open innocent and victimized hearts to the sacrifice of the Innocent One; pour Your consolation upon the traumatized, especially our children.

O Heavenly Father, un-bind, un-fear, un-scorch, un-sear our souls; renew us in Your free Spirit.  We’re leaning on You, our Tower of Strength.  We find our refuge in the shadow of Your shelter.  Lead us from this place--strong--to bring forth the power of Your love, wherever we are.

In the precious name of Jesus.  Amen.

	Sample news reports on “A Prayer for America”

http://www.msnbc.com/news/628163.asp?cp1=1
Thousands flock to N.Y. service: Yankee Stadium ceremony is led by Winfrey, Jones
MSNBC STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 — Yankee Stadium became a cathedral, mosque and synagogue Sunday as some 20,000 people came for a interfaith service to remember the victims of terrorism. “We need faith, wisdom and strength of soul,” said New York’s Roman Catholic archbishop.
THE SERVICE — billed as “A Prayer for America” — came as the number of missing at the World Trade Center climbed still higher to 6,453.
The service mixed solemn words with patriotic and inspirational songs, culminating in Lee Greenwood’s rendition of “God Bless the USA.” The crowd waved flags, sang along and shouted “USA! USA!” at the close of the service.
The Rev. David Benke, president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s Atlantic District, said it was a day when “the field of dreams turned into God’s house of prayer.”
One after another, members of the clergy — Jews, Roman Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Protestants, Sikhs, Greek Orthodox — stepped up to offer prayers. . . . 

http://web.journalgazette.net/content/fwgazette/2001/09/24/news/24i_2a_nws_memorial.htm
Faiths gather to share grief: Yankee Stadium’s ‘field of dreams’ turned into ‘God’s house of prayer’
By Joel Stashenko, Associated Press

NEW YORK - Representatives of New York’s broad spectrum of faiths took the field of Yankee Stadium on Sunday for a flag-draped gathering of prayer for the victims of terrorism. “We need faith, wisdom and strength of soul,” said New York’s Roman Catholic archbishop.
The service - billed as “A Prayer for America” - mixed solemn words with patriotic and inspirational songs, culminating in Lee Greenwood’s rendition of “God Bless the USA.” The crowd waved their flags, sang along and shouted “USA! USA!” at its close.
Still, said the Rev. David Benke, president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s Atlantic District, it was a day when “the field of dreams turned into God’s house of prayer.”
One after another, members of the clergy - Jews, Roman Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Protestants, Sikhs, Greek Orthodox - stepped up to offer prayers. . . .

Discrepancies between what Benke actually said and the Benke-Kieschnick website version

What President Benke Actually Said:

Oh, we’re stronger now than we were an hour ago.  And you know, my sisters and brothers, we’re not nearly as strong as we’re going to be.  And the strength we have is the power of love.  And the power of love you have received is from God, for God is love.

So take the hand of one next to you now and join me in prayer on this “field of dreams” turned into God’s house of prayer:

O Lord our God, we’re leaning on You today.  You are our Tower of Strength, and we’re leaning on You. You are our Mighty Fortress, our God who is a Rock; in You do we stand.

Those of us who bear the name of Christ know that You stood so tall when You stooped down to send a Son through death and life to bring us back together, and we lean on You today.

O Tower of Strength, be with those who mourn the loss of loved ones; bring them closer to us day by day.

O Heavenly Father, we pray at this time that You might extend Jacob’s ladder for those who ascended the stairways to save us, as others escaped the fire and flames.

O Tower of Strength, open innocent and victimized hearts to the sacrifice of the Innocent One; pour Your consolation upon the traumatized, especially our children.

O Heavenly Father, un-bind, un-fear, un-scorch, un-sear our souls; renew us in Your free Spirit.

We’re leaning on You, our Tower of Strength.  We find our refuge in the shadow of Your shelter.  Lead us from this place--strong--to bring forth the power of Your love, wherever we are.

In the precious name of Jesus.  Amen.

The Benke-Kieschnick Website Version:

We’re stronger now than we were an hour ago; but sisters and brothers, we are not as strong now as we are going to be.  The strength we have is the power of love, and love comes from God, for God is love.  Our task is to take that love from this place into our communities, one by one.

Join me now in prayer on this field of dreams which has now become a House of Prayer -

Lord, we are leaning on You today, for You are our Tower of Strength.  We are leaning on you, for you are our Mighty Fortress, the Rock of our Salvation, and our Strong Deliverer.

Those of us who bear the Name of Christ understand that your towering love found its ultimate strength when you stooped to send your Son to die and live again in order to bring the world back together.

We implore You in tender mercy to comfort with signs of Your Presence those who mourn the lost and missing and cannot find you now in the ashes; unbind, unfear, unscorch, unsear our souls; renew us with your free Spirit.

O Tower of Strength, extend Jacob’s ladder for those who ascended the stairways to save us even as others escaped the fire and flames,

O Tower of Strength, open innocent and victimized hearts to the sacrifice of the Innocent one; pour out your consolation upon the traumatized, especially our children;

O Tower of Strength, unite us now across all boundaries in acts of grace and truth in this great city; guide and empower with wisdom especially our religious and civic leaders;

O Tower of Strength, we are leaning on You today; keep us in the shadow of Your shelter, and send us forth to walk in peace,

In Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen.

The Benke-Kieschnick website version:
http://www.ad-lcms.org/wtc_message.html
http://www.lcms.org/president/pdf/benke.pdf

What he said:	“my sisters and brothers”
Website:	“sisters and brothers”

What he said:	“God’s house of prayer” (or “God’s House of Prayer”)
Website:	“a House of Prayer”

What he said:	“our God who is a Rock; in You do we stand”
Website:	“the Rock of our Salvation, and our Strong Deliverer”

What he said:	“a Son” (or “a son”)
Website:	“your Son”

What he said:	“through death and life”
Website:	“to die and live again”

What he said:	“to bring us back together”
Website:	“in order to bring the world back together”

What he said:	“O Tower of Strength, be with those who mourn the loss of loved ones; bring them closer to us day by day”
Website:	“We implore You in tender mercy to comfort with signs of Your Presence those who mourn the lost and missing and cannot find you now in the ashes”

	1998:  “Benke Apologizes to Synod over Prayer Service”

LCMSNews #98-87
Nov. 20, 1998
http://www.cuis.edu/ftp/lcmsnews/999581-BENKE_APOLOGIZES_TO_SYNOD.-981120

The president of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod’s Atlantic District has signed a written apology to the Synod for participating in an interfaith prayer service for the poor Sept. 9 in New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Dr. David Benke signed the apology Oct. 22. . . .

“My participation in this service was a direct violation of the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and consequently, violation of the Constitution, Bylaws and doctrinal resolutions of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  I also recognize that my participation in this interfaith prayer service was a violation of my duties and responsibilities as an elected officer of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

“While well-intended, what I did was wrong.  I therefore sincerely and publicly apologize to the Synod for my actions in this connection.  I assure the Synod that I will not repeat this error in the future by participating as an officiant in ecumenical services.”

	Benke’s website comments on his apology, posted sometime after October 22, 1998

http://www.ad-lcms.org/news.html

Under “A Blessed Epiphany in the Name of Christ”:

“To those of you upset by the response of the Praesidium of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod either in asking for an apology for my actions or by the way in which the apology was required, to you I respond by stating that I have come to understand the motivations of the leadership of my church body.  They have accepted my involvement as having good intentions.  I intend to move on.

“To those of you who have asked why I signed the apology presented, for conscience’ sake, to you I respond by stating simply that the apology has been signed.  I intend to move on and fulfill my good intentions.”

Under “THE SCANDAL IS IN THE SPECIFICS: The Good Intention of My Participation In an Interfaith Prayer Service for the Poor”:

“The preparer of the apology I signed as a result of my participation in this service. . . .”

	“A letter from President David Benke issued on September 24,
	following the interfaith event at Yankee Stadium”

http://www.ad-lcms.org/wtc_message.html

I want to thank literally hundreds of people from around the world who have contacted me to say how much my prayer participation in the interfaith event “A Prayer for America” meant to them.

	A Statement from Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick
	President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
	Regarding Atlantic District President David Benke’s Participation
	In “A Prayer for America” At Yankee Stadium

http://www.lcms.org/president/pdf/benke.pdf

. . . on Sunday, September 23, 2001 thousands of people gathered in Yankee Stadium in New York City for a program entitled “A Prayer for America,” led by Christians, at least one Muslim, and a number of public figures and officials.

President Benke contacted me twice about the event prior to his participation.  I did and I do support the pastoral decision he made to participate.  His action in doing so is clearly in line with a document entitled “The Lutheran Understanding of Church Fellowship: A Report on Synodical Discussions.”  This document was prepared by past Synodical president Dr. Alvin Barry and our church body’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations and unanimously adopted by that Commission.

A Statement from Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

November 30, 2001
http://www.lcms.org/president/statements/fellowship.htm

. . . the official position of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod regarding relationships with Christian churches not in altar and pulpit fellowship with the LCMS and regarding the participation of Missouri Synod pastors and congregations in events and occasions involving worship which also include the participation of non-Christians.

The official position of the LCMS on these issues is presented in the Constitution of the Synod.  The Synod’s Constitution lists as one of the conditions for acquiring and holding membership in the Synod the “renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every description” such as “serving congregations of mixed confessions by ministers of the church and taking part in the services and sacramental rites of heterodox congregations or congregations of mixed confessions.”  This means that the pastors and congregations of the Synod are pledged by virtue of their membership in the Synod not to lead formal worship services with Christian churches and pastors not in church fellowship with the Missouri Synod.

	Kieschnick issues statement

LCMSNews -- No. 93
Dec. 3, 2001
http://www.lcms.org/news/2001_093.html

The Missouri Synod does not forbid prayer with other Christians.  We have a long history of praying with and for other Christians.  However, we refrain from engaging in common prayer with those who do not recognize or accept Jesus Christ as true God.  For it is only through Jesus Christ that we can approach the true God.  We want to do nothing that would compromise the Gospel of Jesus Christ, such as suggesting through our actions that there are other gods than the Triune God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

	Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne Faculty Statement:
	“A Pastoral Response to the Events of September 11, 2001”

http://www.ctsfw.edu
December 14, 2001

As we anticipate Christ’s return during this Advent season, we are reminded that we live in the end times. For those whose sole trust is in the saving work of Jesus Christ, the end times mean great comfort and joy. God wants all people to know His salvation, and so He commands us faithfully to proclaim the true Gospel to the ends of the earth and to the end of the age.

The terrorism seen on September 11, 2001 (in New York City, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania), is a terrible expression of the sinfulness of man and the power of Satan in the world. As one nation and people we experienced a horror we did not know before. Terrorism in all of its forms is offensive to God, and therefore we denounce it and call upon all lawful governments to bring terrorists to justice.

In these trying times how can we truly love our fellow human beings? We must preach the Gospel in all its truth and purity for the comfort of severely hurting and questioning people. This is the truly loving thing that must be done. True love comes only from believing in Jesus Christ, and this alone gives comfort. We cannot love other people by giving them false hope.

This essential point--that the world’s sole source of true comfort and support is Jesus Christ--is why we make this statement. We feel great compassion for all those affected by the September 11 disaster and have been touched ourselves by this tragedy. Two of our members, Dr. David Scaer and Dr. Peter Scaer, lost their nephew and cousin in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Also, Dr. Daniel Gard was called to duty as Navy Reserve Chaplain to minister amidst the wreckage at the Pentagon to the families who suffered loss.

At all times, especially now, our proclamation of the Gospel must be absolutely clear as we respond with love toward all those who were injured, who lost loved ones or friends, and who suffered in this disaster. The suffering and human need that resulted from the September 11 attacks were immense and our response must be immense as well. We thank the countless faithful LCMS people and pastors, the Rev. Dr. David Benke (President of the Atlantic District), the Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick (LCMS President), and all others who spent innumerable hours ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of traumatized people after the terrorist attacks. We are grateful for President Kieschnick’s statement, “A Promise,” published in the New York Times and USA Today on October 2, 2001, as it gave clear witness to the hope that is in Christ alone. Such love and concern, by the grace of God, will continue during the months and years of recovery ahead.

The faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary has been asked by many congregations and pastors to comment on the issues and questions that have emerged from what Mayor Rudolph Giuliani announced as “‘A Prayer for America,’ an interfaith service for the families and colleagues of the victims of the World Trade Center tragedy,” which took place on September 23 and in which President David Benke took part with President Kieschnick’s prior approval. Because synodical and district officials are commenting openly on this situation, and since many congregations and pastors are seriously engaging in a very vigorous discussion of this situation, we believe that it is also appropriate to make our collective evaluation known at this time.

The faculty has viewed C-Span’s tape of the service and has prayerfully considered it. What occurred was more than a simple civic gathering. To be sure the program contained many patriotic songs and speeches to uplift a nation oppressed by death and destruction. Civic elements notwithstanding, it was also a religious service. Included were readings and prayers by clergy from Judaism, Christianity (including, among others, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and Baptists), Islam, Sikhism, and Hinduism. Although we realize that the setting following the attacks was emotionally charged and demanded an immediate response, and that such a response may not always be carefully and fully informed, we must disagree with President Benke’s participation in this service and President Kieschnick’s support of his participation. Furthermore, in light of their ongoing, public defense of these actions, we feel constrained publicly to encourage them both to reconsider their actions and to address the church on these matters from the perspective of the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.

Reviewing what happened will prove helpful. To introduce the event, Oprah Winfrey said: “To give the invocation for today’s service here are Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York, and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Chaplain of the Fire Department of New York City.” Examples of doctrinal confusion and error continued throughout the service. For example, The Most Rev. Thomas V. Daily, Roman Catholic Bishop of Brooklyn, while mentioning the Father and the Holy Spirit, concluded his prayer, “Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.” Rabbi Alvin Kass, New York Police Department Chaplain, struck a distinctly universalistic note when he prayed that the families who had lost loved ones might be comforted by the fact that “these victims have now been welcomed into the arms of the almighty, where they can know no more hurt; and from on high, where they will bless us.” Dr. Inberjit Singh of the Sikh Temple, Richmond Hill, New York, opened his remarks: “In the name of our God, who is true, who is without fear, who is without enmity, who is timeless, who is self-created” Imam Izak-EL M. Pasha, New York Police Department Chaplain and a Muslim cleric, prayed to the “the merciful benefactor, the merciful redeemer” and stated that we “beg for assistance, we beg for strength and guidance, and his mercy,” and stated that “we witness that he is one, and we witness to all of his messengers and prophets.” He further said: “We are one with members of faith, both Jewish, Christian, and others here today and those who are absent. We are believers.” Because Islam holds that Jesus is no more than a special prophet and not God, the “redeemer” in his prayer is the Islamic god. Shortly after President Benke’s prayer, Oprah Winfrey closed the event with these words: “Here with the benediction for today’s service, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrious, the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America. Archbishop Demetrious will be followed by Pandit Roop Sukhram of the Hindu Sreeraam Temple in Brooklyn, who will offer a Hindu prayer.”

The combination of such prayers, statements, and readings gave the impression to many that all participants prayed to the same god, or that the gods of all religions were equal. For example, Pastor Chuck Boyer, LaVerne Church of the Brethren, comments on the Yankee Stadium event:

“I believe that praying or worshiping with persons of other faiths implies that one recognizes that the Creator works in and through a variety of religious institutions and manifestations. Since I believe that no religion, including my Christian branch of the faith tree, contains all the truth, I am happy to participate in interfaith services. Isn’t it presumptuous to imagine that the Holy One has revealed all wisdom to only one group?” (Letter to the Editor, Los Angeles Times, December 7, 2001).

Again, consider this comment from an editorial in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

“Shouldn’t everyone recognize that there are many different ideas about spirituality, all of them to be respected? Shouldn’t the members of one faith feel comfortable worshiping their God, even in the company of people worshiping another? Aren’t we more alike than different?” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 3, 2001)

The conclusion seems unavoidable: the participation of a Christian pastor in the interfaith service at Yankee Stadium gave the impression that prayers to gods other than the true God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--are compatible with Christian piety and belief.

To pray to Jesus means to pray only to Jesus. To pray or to appear comfortable with prayers to Jesus and any other entity blurs His exclusive Lordship and places an obstacle in the way of His life-giving Word and presence.

The Holy Scriptures speak clearly about these things:

“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3, The First Commandment)

“All the gods of the nations are idols.” (Psalm 96:5)

“Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.... No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:14,20-21)

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.’ ‘Therefore come out from them and be separate.’” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17a)

After prayers were offered to Mary, to the gods of Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism, President Benke began: “Oh, we’re stronger now than we were an hour ago. And you know, my sisters and brothers, we’re not nearly as strong as we’re going to be. And the strength we have is the power of love. And the power of love you have received is from God, for God is love. So take the hand of one next to you now and join me in prayer on this ‘field of dreams’ turned into God’s house of prayer...”

A few questions are in order. Did the readings, meditations, and prayers offered by the Sikhs, Muslims, and others really strengthen people and affirm Christ’s love? With these words, did President Benke suggest that the gods, to whom the prayers of the Sikhs, Muslims, and others were offered, are the same as the God he was addressing in prayer? Did he imply that Sikhs, Muslims, and Jews are sisters and brothers in the same sense that we, as baptized Christians, are? By having the assembled crowd hold hands during his prayer, the impression was given that that all were praying to the same God. Did Yankee Stadium become a “House of Prayer” that was pleasing to the Triune God?

Although there are certain circumstances in which Lutherans may pray with other Christians, Scripture prohibits all Christians from praying and taking part in a service that involves the invocation or worship of false gods. This compromises the confession of Jesus Christ as true God and the sole way of salvation. President Benke’s participation in the interfaith service was such a compromise, though this may not have been his intention.

The Holy Scriptures are clear that Jesus is the only Savior of the world:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The church has the missionary obligation to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully and publicly to all people, especially in the face of such tragedy. Many congregations throughout our LCMS held worship services in the wake of this tragedy and invited all people in their respective communities to be comforted by this Gospel. Our seminary sponsored two forums, one for students and the other for the Fort Wayne community, to discuss this tragedy, Islam, and our Christian response. Fidelity to the mission that our Lord has given to the church necessitates that we speak clearly and publicly of the one true God, the Holy Trinity, in the midst of religious pluralism in our world by witnessing to the truth that there is no salvation apart from Jesus Christ.

Participating in joint services involving false gods does not give a faithful witness to Jesus Christ. Even today Christians are being persecuted and martyred for confessing Christ in the Sudan by Muslims and in India by Hindus. These very Christians might have been spared martyrdom if they had stood alongside their Muslim and Hindu persecutors and offered prayers. This reminds us that our actions have an impact on our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world as they struggle to give an uncompromising witness.

We did not choose this issue, nor do we relish it. As public teachers in the church we are obliged to speak (1 Timothy 5:20-22). We understand that the concerns, the passions, and the questions raised by this incident will not soon go away. We understand that there will be, of necessity, continued discussion, and we encourage the members of Synod to engage in this ongoing conversation with charity, restraint, and meaningful argument.

We realize that at times of great emergency and confusion it can be difficult to know just what is the right course of action. We commend President Kieschnick and President Benke for much of their response to human need after this national tragedy. Yet looking back now at the plain and public facts of the September 23 “Prayer for America” interfaith service in New York, we humbly beg President Kieschnick and President Benke to reconsider their decision that an LCMS official lead a portion of this service and also reconsider their subsequent defense of this participation. The alone-saving truth of the Gospel, the true unity of the church, and the offense being given to many of the faithful now require a clear and biblical resolution of this troubling matter, on which the glare of publicity continues to be focused. We in turn pledge our full support to every effort, with the help of God, to restore unity of conviction and doctrine within our beloved Synod.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

This response was adopted by the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary on December 14, 2001

Douglas McC. L. Judisch, Faculty Secretary

Links: Resolutions passed by district pastors’ conferences; “Unionism and Syncretism” study

Wyoming District Pastor’s Conference, October 3, 2001:
http://www.standrewslcms.org/tracts/crisisinlcms/wydistrictresolution.htm

South Dakota District Pastor’s Conference, October 10, 2001:
http://www.standrewslcms.org/tracts/crisisinlcms/sdresolution.htm

Southern Illinois District Pastor’s Conference, October 9-10, 2001:
http://www.standrewslcms.org/tracts/crisisinlcms/sidresolutions.htm

“Unionism and Syncretism: A Bible Study with Discussion Guide and Practical Application” (2001):
http://www.scholia.net/pdf%20files/Syncretism.PDF

	Benke, Kieschnick participate in joint worship services with ELCA

http://listserv.elca.org/cgi‑bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0109&L=elcanews&D=1&H=1&O=D&F=&S=&P=1745
“Costs of New York Lutheran Disaster Response Effort High”
September 21, 2001

LEADERS AND MEMBERS GATHER TO SHARE STORIES, PRAY AND WORSHIP

Lutheran clergy and members from the ELCA and LCMS met together Sept. 18 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Manhattan.  They shared information, prayed and wor-shiped together, in a rare show of unity between the two Lutheran denominations.  Also attending were at least five ELCA synod bishops from nearby synods and several LCMS district presidents.

Kieschnick told the pastors. . . .

. . . Benke said at worship, adding the differences that separate the ELCA and LCMS “seem so trivial.”

http://www.elca.org/dcs/disaster/sept11.html#Sept.20
“September 11 Attack: Sept. 20 report”
September 20, 2001

“Everything is connected, nothing is connected.  Everything fits, nothing fits,” President Benke reflected during two packed worship services in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, West Central Park.

Audio/video clip of joint worship service:
http://media.elca.org/ramgen/videonews/newyorktrip.rm
RealPlayer: newyorktrip.rm

	Benke’s comments as he meets again with ELCA

http://listserv.elca.org/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0110&L=elcanews&D=1&H=1&O=D&F=&S=&P=1434
ELCA BISHOPS RESPOND TO SEPT. 11 ATTACKS, AFTERMATH
01-251-JB
October 11, 2001

UPDATES FROM LEADERS IN METRO NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON, D.C.

Before their formal response was adopted, the bishops heard from church leaders in metropolitan New York and Washington, D.C. on Oct. 5.  Among those who spoke to them was the Rev. David H. Benke, president of the Atlantic District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).  Benke and the Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan New York Synod, have worked together through Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) to provide a unified response in New York.

“It feels way too good to be here,” Benke said, acknowledging it was unusual for an LCMS leader to address the ELCA Conference of Bishops.  Benke said he was proud of the support and prayers he has received from the Rev. Gerald B. Kieschnick, LCMS president, since the attacks.

From the start, Bouman and he agreed that Lutherans would respond together, Benke said.  “Steve and I have done something against the grain,” he said.

Since the attacks, it has been important that church leaders proclaim the gospel of hope, Benke said.  “If we don’t bring the gospel to that, what good are we?” he said.  “We’ve been placed here for this moment.”

Noting the theological differences between the ELCA and LCMS, Benke said it was unfortunate that it was a tragic event that brought the two churches together.

“If this is what it took to bring us together in prayer, we should be ashamed,” he told the ELCA bishops.  “I am ashamed about that.”

	Kieschnick:  “Synodical Solidarity”

FROM:  President Jerry Kieschnick
TO:  The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod
SUBJECT:  Synodical Solidarity
DATE:  December 14, 2001

This update is a follow-up to my letter of November 30, which referenced the formal charges of unionism and syncretism filed against me and which addressed the participation of LCMS clergy in inter-faith civic events.

Since the terroristic atrocity of September 11, many reports, releases and rumors have circulated within our Synod regarding two specific matters:

× Whether it was appropriate for the President of the Synod, following a tour of “Ground Zero” on September 19, to pray in New York City with members of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).

× Whether it was appropriate for the President of our Synod’s Atlantic District, Dr. David Benke, to offer a prayer in Yankee Stadium on Sunday, September 23, in the midst of numerous political leaders, several entertainment personalities, and a number of Christian and non-Christian religious leaders. . . .

In the voluminous correspondence my office has received regarding these matters, two basic perspectives have been articulated:

1. A sense of dismay and, in some cases, outrage that

-- The Synodical President prayed in the midst of Christians with whom our Synod is not in church body fellowship.

-- A District President prayed in the midst of Christians with whom our Synod is not in church body fellowship and in the midst of non-Christian religious leaders. . . .

	Readings on Unionism and Syncretism

Holy Bible, Exod. 32:1-8, 1 Kings 18:16-40, Acts 17:16-34 (esp. vv. 30-31), and these passages:

I am the LORD; that is my name!  I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.  (Isa. 42:8)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  (John 14:6)

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12)

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.  For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?  Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?  What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?  What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?  What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?  (2 Cor. 6:14-16)

Lutheran Confessions, Book of Concord, especially Formula of Concord, Article X:

Nor do we include among truly free adiaphora or things indifferent those ceremonies which give or (to avoid persecution) are designed to give the impression that our religion does not differ greatly from that of the papists, or that we are not seriously opposed to it.  Nor are such rites matters of indifference when these ceremonies are intended to create the illusion (or are demanded or agreed to with that intention) that these two opposing religions have been brought into agreement. . . (Solid Declaration, paragraph 5).

We believe, teach, and confess that at a time of confession, as when enemies of the Word of God desire to suppress the pure doctrine of the holy Gospel, the entire community of God, yes, every individual Chrisitan, and especially the ministers of the Word as the leaders of the community of God, are obligated to confess openly, not only by words but also through their deeds and actions, the true doctrine and all that pertains to it, according to the Word of God (Solid Declaration, paragraph 10).

Hence yielding or conforming in external things, where Christian agreement in doctrine has not previously been achieved, will support the idolaters in their idolatry, and on the other hand, it will sadden and scandalize true believers and weaken them in their faith (Solid Declaration, paragraph 16).

Constitution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (in LCMS Handbook), especially Article VI, “Conditions of Membership,” 2, “Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every description.”

Walther, C. F. W.  Church and Ministry (Kirche und Amt), Part One--Concerning the Church--Thesis VIII, B, pages 113-36 (in 1987 edition).  “Scripture Proof,” “Witnesses of the Church in its Official Confessions,” “Witnesses of the Church in the Private Writings of Its Teachers.”

“Whoever regards his doctrine, faith, and confession as true and certain cannot stand in one stall with others who teach false doctrine or are agreeable to it, nor can he continue to speak sweet words to the devil and his followers.  A teacher who is silent over against error and nevertheless pretends to be a true teacher is worse than an outspoken enthusiast and by his hypocrisy does greater harm than a heretic, so that no one should put confidence in him. . . . He does not desire to offend anyone; he wants neither to confess Christ nor to hurt the feelings of the devil and the world” (Luther, 118).

“[They] charge us with the lie that we tear asunder Christian love and unity to the great harm and detriment of the holy church.  We certainly are ready and willing to keep peace with them and show them love, but only as long as they allow our doctrine to remain inviolate and pure.  If we cannot obtain that from them, it is in vain for them to praise Christian love so highly.  May that love be cursed to the depth of hell that is maintained to the harm and detriment of the doctrine of faith, to which whatever there may be must be subject:  love, apostle, angel from heaven, and everything else” (Luther, 120).

“We gladly will be united with them in secular matters; that is, we are willing to keep bodily or temporal peace with them.  But in spiritual matters we will avoid, condemn, and reprove them as long as they live as idolaters, perverters of God’s Word, blasphemers, and liars. . . . But to yield to their blasphemies, ignore and approve them, that we neither can nor want to do” (Luther, 125-26).

“I must let them go and avoid them. . . . Nor will I have fellowship with any of them . . . neither by letters, writings, words, nor deeds. . .” (Luther, 126).

“Nevertheless there are cases in which someone may attend the worship of unbelievers or heretics.  In the first place, in order to observe it, attending it only that one may bear better and surer witness against the ungodly nature of the unbelievers or heretics. . . . But here great care is needed in order not to make it appear as though we agreed with the opponents.  Therefore, we must refrain from the opponents’ acts of worship. . . . we must rather make it publicly known by some signs that we do not agree with them. . . . Where it is impossible publicly to show that we do not agree with them, it is better to remain away from such worship. . . . Here is no place for hypocritical dissimulation, for this offends both God and man” (Balduin [1575-1627, professor at Wittenberg], 130)

Meyer, Carl S., ed.  Moving Frontiers: Readings in the History of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (1964), especially pages 288-90, 352, 362-64, 379, and 381-84.

“If you have the Bible you will certainly know that the true God is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and furthermore that the first Commandment forbids the worship of any other god.  The Jews in your lodge deny Christ, and so have not the true God, and hence have no God, and yet you will with them offer up prayer to some god, not the true God, and hence you practice idolatry with them” (From the Lutheran Witness of January 7, 1889; quoted on 384).

“There is much unionistic talk indulged in by some spokesmen of Lutheran army and navy work.  Rev. J. A. Stub, of the Norwegian Synod, lately said: ‘We can return to our doctrinal, racial, or synodical differences after the war if we must.  But now we must be one and indissoluble behind our boys.’  Only Lutherans who place doctrine and race on one level, as Rev. Stub does, can be misled by such cheap talk.  If the Word of God demands of us that we separate in times of peace from bodies which permit their representative men to teach falsely . . . , then these same words of Scripture certainly forbid our cooperation in the distinctly religious sphere with these same bodies in time of war.  The truth of God’s Word is an absolutely constant factor.  As the LUTHERAN WITNESS has said before, regarding this same matter, there is no emergency imaginable in which our Church could deviate from its principles” (Editorial from the Lutheran Witness of April 2, 1918; quoted on 381-82).

“And also any religious exercises (prayer, religious address or sermon, religious hymns) in connection with school commencements, so-called baccalaureate services and the like, or religious exercises of any kind in connection with political meetings, or other meetings of civic bodies, whenever members of different denominations take part, is unionism” (John H. C. Fritz, Pastoral Theology, 1932; quoted on 379).

Marquart, Kurt E. The Church and Her Fellowship, Ministry, and Governance (1990), Chapters 6-7, “The Nature of Church Fellowship,” “The Basis and Criteria for Church Fellowship,” pages 41-77.

Unlike preaching and the sacraments, prayer is not necessarily an official act of the church as such, but is something which individuals may do in private.  Such private acts and situations are governed fundamentally by familial and other social relations and obligations, and do not necessarily commit and compromise the church.  On the other hand, such considerations are overridden when and to the extent that churches act officially, normally through and with their public ministers (47-48).

“. . .we cannot pray together with those who represent divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which we have learned (Rom. 16:17 and all parallels). . . . The Lutheran Symbols, all Lutheran doctrine and practice in orthodox times including the Synodical Conference synods in past decades, as well as the ancient church have insisted that unity and continuity of pure doctrine demands that we do not pray together with gainsayers” (48, n. 11).

“When joint prayer shows the marks or characteristics of unionism, it must be condemned and avoided.  Such marks and characteristics of unionism are:  a) failure to confess the whole truth of the divine Word (in statu confessionis); b) failure to reject and denounce every opposing error; c) assigning to error equal right with truth; d) creating the impression of unity in faith or of church fellowship where it does not exist” (48).

Marquart, Kurt.  “Francis Pieper on Church Fellowship,” pages 57-82 in The Pieper Lectures–1997,  Volume 2: Church Fellowship (1998).

Feuerhahn, Ronald R.  “Church Fellowship,” pages 39-70 in Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord (2000).

McCoy, Michael L.  “Unionism and Syncretism: A Bible Study with Discussion Guide and Practical Application” (2001).  http://www.scholia.net/pdf%20files/Syncretism.PDF