The Real Test of Courage - a Frontline Response

Rev. Benke,

I just viewed "Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero" and perhaps the most disturbing aspect of that entire piece is your story and the questions that stem from that situation in your life. I was disturbed enough to track down your e-mail address so that I could write to you.

We both know that you made the right decision that day. In fact, I believe it was the only path you could have taken in good conscience given such a glorious opportunity. I simply wanted to write and applaud your courage for leading that prayer.

Of course, the real test of courage has come after the event. In reviewing a few web pages it appears that your suspension has been lifted. In becoming acquainted with this story simply half of an hour ago, I certainly do not know all the details. However, I do hope and trust you have found strength to deal with what surely must have been surprising ramifications of your decision. I assure you that our prayers are with you and pray that you have found peace knowing that your standing on that stage in Yankee Stadium was essential. The angry letters and accusations merely reflect a dark side of religion; a dark side that we can learn from and must work to change. My words are redundant and I hope that this e-mail is one in line of thousands of others. I sincerely thank you for facing such a challenging situation.

Peace,
Cory Davis

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Letter from President Holder to Cory Davis

Dear Cory,

We are happy to receive your letter of support and encouragement for Pastor Benke. He has remained strong in his convictions through all these months. He knows that It's OK to Pray. He knows that religious tolerance never means sacrificing your message, but always means speaking with gentleness and respect. He knows that of all times, this is the time in our world to promote Inclusion rather than Exclusion, dialog rather than monolog, and honest cooperation rather than secret plots.

He has been subject to much – he has been compared to Osama Bin Laden, John Wayne Gacey, Judas Iscariot and Adolph Eichmann – all by people within his own denomination, most of them clergymen!

But we have to correct one misimpression. He is NOT free from the complaints against him. He is NOT yet released from his suspension. He is NOT yet released from the charges of heresy and breaking the first and second commandments. That process continues.

Great strides have been made. The Missouri Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (www.lcms.org, see Commission on Constitutional Matters January 20-21 meeting) has given us great hope. The Missouri Synod Commission on Theology and Church Relations is meeting to discuss questions regarding his case from a theological perspective and may have encouraging answers as well. But a three-judge panel must take those opinions and use them in their decision as to the lifting of the suspension. That is what we are all waiting for.

Join us in prayer, Corey – for justice, for tolerance, for an end to religious violence, for an end to the case against Pastor Benke. Thanks again for your support!

Sonia Holder
President, St. Peter's Lutheran Church
For the Website Committee

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