Letter to "Reporter"  (LCMS official News Paper) of September 20, 2002

I commend the Synod's Board of Directors for reminding and requesting that all officers and entities of our Synod hold themselves accountable to our mutual agreements as stated in our Synodical constitution and bylaws. Personally, I feel that had this entire issue of Rev. Benke's participation in "A Prayer for America" not been so widely publicized, and Matthew 18 followed more closely the issue might well have been resolved without so much fury and bloodletting.  Matthew 18 provides us with a model for how to correct an erring brother that he might be won. A key ingredient for that model is that we minister to the brother in as much confidentially as possible, only going public to the church after a clear indication that reconciliation is not possible.  I wonder, now that the matter is in the appeals process, if we were not fighting this out in the press, in memos, and on the internet, and   Rev. Benke, his accusers, and those selected to provide ministry toward reconciliation, could come together and minister to one another if perhaps the side that is in error from Scripture might not see the mistake and come to repentance and be won.  I doubt we will ever know, as all the publicity has caused both sides to become entrenched and to maneuver for political power preparing for doctrinal war at the next convention.  Personally, I believe this is a deeply theological issue in relation to the question of what is unionism and what is syncretism, and what is the appropriate way to proclaim the Gospel in our post modern world.  But I also believe that in regards to Rev. Benke's personal action on the day in question, that this is a very personal matter and should at least be given the opportunity to be resolved between himself and his accusers without a trial in public.  I do not believe the laity of the Synod nor its clergy are fools.  I suspect we all realize the publicity will not settle this issue.  It will only further divide us, motivate us to become entrenched in our positions, become certain that the other side is wrong, and make it very difficult to maintain our Synodical union.  We have clear differences of opinion in some of these matters. It is time for us all to humble ourselves before God's Word, come together in clear and honest discussion and study of that Word, and be willing to be corrected by God's Word in our belief and practice, realizing that it might just be me that needs to adjust my belief and my practice.  For all of us it is for us to be concerned about our own faith and practice.  The personal matter of Rev. Benke's conduct is now in the hands of those who have the responsibility to guide the parties involved to evaluate his conduct.  We should give them a chance to get the job done.

Rev. David D. Reedy

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 312 Smyrna Heights Road

Evensville, TN  37332

423-775-4952

www.princeofpeacelutheran.org

Rev. David D. Reedy 2002

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church   

Dayton Tennessee   

423.775.4253

Prince of Peace is a LCMS congregation located in Rhea County Tennessee, serving the entire county of some 32,000 people.