Steadfast Lutherans » Benke participates in worship service with ELCA, according to ELCA news release (by Pr. Charles Henrickson): "Benke had previously participated in an interfaith prayer service on September 9, 1998. On October 22, 1998, he signed a public apology in which he stated:
“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.”"
'via Blog this'
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GJ - McCain/Barry "disciplined" Benke the first time, so McCain/Harrison will do as much this time. Missourians should quit belly-aching, as long as they continue to exist in non-declared union with ELCA via Thrivent insurance and a host of activities.
2 comments:
Since Benke also communes with ELCA, I was shocked (but not really) at an ELCA funeral I recently attended. Four lay people assisted with the Distribution, two of whom were females. The lay leader was a female, and grape juice was used. Sorry, but Jesus didn't serve up Welch's on the night in which He was betrayed. Of course, everyone was welcomed to partake, with the exception of children. It was very similar to an Episcopal funeral I attended a few years ago, where anyone who had been Baptized was welcome.
I saw one person I know from the LCMS go up and partake at the ELCA funeral while I sat it out. I also know of one local LCMS parish where females assist with the Distribution. I don't get the name "Narrow-minded" for nothing, but there is no need for any lay person to assist with the Distribution.
If the pastor is indeed acting in Christ's stead, as we supposedly believe, then it won't hurt for the Distribution to take a few extra minutes for him to solely distribute Christ's Body and Blood. Sorry if you don't beat the after-church rush to Bob Evans/IHOP.
Although the ELCA funeral did not recite The Creed (what a surprise), I looked through their hymnal and found it. Instead of "I believe," they say "We believe," contrary to Point 88 of Luther's Small Catechism. This also takes place at a local LCMS parish.
There is virtually no difference in the mailine Lutheran denominations. Like I've said before, ELCA equals Democrat; LCMS/(W)ELS equals Republican. As long as the LCMS is in fellowship with LWF members, they are in default fellowship with ELCA, and that is primarily why my wife and I left Missouri.
Benke will not sincerely repent. He will not be disciplined, with the possible exception of a slap on the wrist. And the LCMS will tolerate it because they now have returned to the "Bronze Age of LCMS Orthodoxy" with its "confessional" leadership. Politics trumps theology.
Synod Presidents do not lead. They manage the public perception of their sect. It would be hypocritical of Missouri to discipline Benke for what the leaders of Missouri have been doing for 30-50 years, with many precedents before that golden era of cooperation and compromise.
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