LCMS First VP Daniel Preus Objects to Benke's Unionism
By Rev. Daniel Preus

 

The following letter was written by LCMS First Vice President, Rev. Daniel Preus, objecting to LCMS Atlantic District President, Dr. David Benke's participation in a joint prayer service with Moslems, Jews, and other religions. President Kieschnick has already given his approval of Benke's actions.


Date: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 11:39:45 –0500
From: Daniel Preus
Subject: FW: Dr. Benke's participation - your public opinion?

To: Steve Flo

Dear Pastor Flo,

I appreciate your question. A great deal of discussion has resulted from the participation of President Benke in the Interfaith Service which took place at Yankee Stadium on September 23. So many people are talking about this event that it is clear the issue won't simply fade in a few days' time. It seems as though the reactions are a bit of a microcosm representing different views within our church in matters of fellowship. It is therefore essential that we talk about this event - hopefully in a way that will be constructive for the church at large and especially for our Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.

I hope you don't mind if I make a few general remarks about recent events before I answer your question. It is important to me that my remarks occur in a context that demonstrates that I do appreciate the extremely trying times that President Benke and others have been working in as they attempt to bring comfort to our church and particularly to those whose lives have been devastated by the loss of loved ones at the World Trade Center or at the Pentagon. I think we need to be as supportive as we can of the work which he and others are doing to bring comfort, hope and material assistance to those still living who have been victimized by this national tragedy. >From Dr. Benke's description of what has happened in Manhattan, it became clear to me that those of us who have not been there can hardly understand the enormity of the destruction that took place and I fully support President Benke's desire to offer relief and help to all those who need it.

When it comes to the Interfaith Service in Yankee Stadium, however, I cannot come to any conclusion except that his participation was wrong. Since I have received numerous letters emails and phone calls expressing dismay at his participation, I have done everything I can to familiarize myself with what actually took place. Last night, for example, I watched a video of the event since I had missed it on TV. I also called President Benke to tell him of my concern and my desire to speak with him in detail as soon as we have the opportunity. In the meantime, the more I learn about the events, the more I am convinced that it was a unionistic and syncretistic service for it not only involved Christians of differing beliefs in a common service but even brought pagans and Christians together in prayer as though all were praying to the same god or as though prayers to false gods are as valid and effective as those to the only true God, the Triune God.

The event was advertized as an "Interfaith Service" a "Prayer Service" and a "Memorial Service." Dr. Benke himself indicated that, in his view, God had turned "a field of dreams into God's house of prayer." Christians and non-Christians came together to pray with each other in a common service and there was no indication that some prayers were more valid than others. Within the context of this service, therefore, Christianity simply took its place as an equal among the world religions. In this sense, the service was a model service for those who have adopted a postmodern mindset which holds that all religious truths are equally correct, each validated by the individual believer. A cafeteria style religion has become increasingly popular in our age and the Christian insistence that, of all world religions, only Christianity is true is seen by more and more people as antiquated.

St. Paul tells the Corinthians, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what acccord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreemeent has the temple of God with idols?... Therefore 'Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.'" 2 Cor. 6:14-16a & 17 Paul also says to the Romans, "Mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them." Ro. 16:17 In order to keep our Synod faithful to the Sciptures our synodical constitution requires as a condition of membership, "Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every description, such as: a. Serving congregations of mixed confession, as such, by ministers of the church; and b. Taking part in the services and sacramental rites of heterodox congregations or congregations of mixed confession." (Article VI, 2) There is really no doubt that the congregation gathered together in Yankee Stadium on September 23 was one of mixed confession.

Pastor Flo, I have no desire to question President Benke's motives in participating in this Interfaith Service. Nevertheless, however well intended his participation was, I believe it was contrary to the teaching of Scripture and our Lutheran Confessions and in violation of our Synod's Constitution.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Daniel Preus


Rev. Daniel Preus is the Director of the Concordia Historical Institute.  He graduated with a Masters of Divinity in 1985 from Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Illinois.  He earned a Masters of Sacred Theology in 1989 from the same institution, after its relocation to Fort Wayne, Indiana.  His Major within each degree was Historical Theology.

October 10, 2001