Letters Received by Frontline About Pastor Benke's Appearance
The following are some of the letters received by "Frontline" as a result of Pastor Benke's appearance on the PBS Special called Faith and Doubt. To view all the letters, go to Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero: A Question of Religion.

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Dr. Benke,
Although I had resolved to refrain from watching television commemorations on September 11, 2002, I did chance upon the episode of Frontline that was running on PBS that night.

It seems that, for carrying out what I had considered a remarkable act, you had been charged with heresy by some of your colleagues. When I did a search, I found a few articles condemning you for an "Unchristian act" - for praying with unbelievers. Moreover, you cited a letter you had received thereafter, the author of which claimed that you were 'the real terrorist' for having joined in prayer (or, more accurately, stood on the podium and prayed in the name of Jesus) with members of other faiths.

I'm no person of stature, but merely an often-confused university student who is pursuing a degree in philosophy (among other things). While I seem to have a decent knowledge of the Bible, by no means could I always quote the appropriate verse for every occasion.

Once in a while though, my confusion falls away and - for a few brief moments - I know the truth of a thing by the fruit it bears. By this, I know that what you did that day in Yankee Stadium was right. Moreover, rather than diminishing the importance of Christianity, it elevated it to greater heights. Though you believe in the God of Christendom, you did not fear to be somehow 'tainted' by other beliefs. That sends a >message about your faith.

Your beliefs are strong enough that they stand up to scrutiny, because you have no fear that such questions will destroy them. That is faith - a greater faith than that demonstrated by people who cling zealously to their own religion to the total exclusion of all others (and by exclusion, I mean, they would not even stand in the same place as those others and pray for a damaged nation). I believe many secretly fear for the health of their own faith, and keep questions - and the people who pose them - at a distance because of it.

Does your faith make you a heretic? No. I don't agree with some of what you (plural) believe, but I am not the issue, and my opinions are totally irrelevant here - this is not my opinion; this is a thing I am compelled to write.

You did as you had sworn - and were commanded - to do.

Alyzza Hopfe
Alberta, Canada

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Dear Rev. Dr. Benke-
On this, the end of a long and emotional day, I happened to turn to PBS and watched as they showed footage of your presence at the inter-faith ceremony and the subsequent fall out within your denomination. Your remarks struck me and I felt compelled to write. Personally, I am sorry that you must now deal with the pain that comes from others hatred or misunderstanding. Hearing the pain in your voice made me wish I could share the burden, even if just for a moment.

As a Christian (I am a United Methodist finishing my last year of seminary before appointment), I support your presence at that pulpit. It is hard to say exactly why, perhaps the reasons are too many or perhaps I am too emotional to express myself clearly. I can say that I feel that there was nothing heretical in your actions. In fact, I see your desire to have brothers and sisters of other faiths join hands is one of true Christian love. My grandfather used to say that when given the choice between the easy thing and the hard thing, always choose the hard thing because that is the right thing to do.

I believe your presence there that day was the right thing to do. Please know that you are supported and will remain in my prayers.

Humbly,
Richard Fuss

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Thank you so much for appearing on Frontline. For years I could not put my finger on what was troubling me about my faith and organized religion. Listening to you speak clarified everything. You see, it is not the Crucifixion that moves me as much as the Garden of Gethsemane. No seemed to understand, until now. What a blessing for you to go throughout this experience. God must care for you very much to allow you to experience what his Son did.

You have ministered to more people through your misfortune than you ever will realize. Thank you for allowing so many of us to share it with you and remember to thank God every day for this precious gift.

With love,
Mary Jo Horvath

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Hello Dr. Benke
I happened to be watching the PBS program about September 11 last evening. The program was astonishing in its depth of coverage and attention to artistic beauty. I had not heard anything about the Yankee Stadium service until I saw this program. Although I grew up in the lcms, and my dad was a minister of education at various lcms elementary schools until he retired.

I have long since parted ways with LCMS, and I no longer am current on the affairs of the church. Never the less, I was astonished to learn about your treatment by the church after your Yankee Stadium prayer and participation. I encourage you to leave this organization and search for a kinder and more Christian organization, where forgiveness and tolerance are honored rather than ostracized. Personally, I applaud you for standing up to your accusers, but I don't think these folks are worthy of the time or the effort.

Paul K. Wegehaupt, MD, FAAP

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Dear Pastor Benke,
We have just read the article "Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero" PBS Frontline. We would like to commend you for your actions at the stadium. We can think of no better time to profess and share our Christian faith with the world. We feel that your prayers were very appropriate, and we cannot understand the negative views from our own church leaders. We are in our 80's and we have been members of the LCMS all of our lives. I am a commissioned minister of our church and taught 45 years in our Lutheran system. We mingle with people of many different faiths and feel it is a God- given opportunity to share the Gospel. We hope and pray that this issue may be resolved in a Christian manner and that your service to the Lord and His Church may continue.

In Christ,
Al and Verna Wied
Stanwood, MI

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Dear Pastor Benke,
I saw your prayer and your pain on Frontline last night. I am a former Christian (Episcopalian) 62 yr old Lesbian who probably disagrees with all/most of your theology (and Christian theology in general); too patriarchal and too isolationist and even too Christian, especially in light of our need for global answers for global peace. I dislike and distrust any form of Christian Evangelism/isolationism. Your simple statement at the memorial service - which appeared to include All of God's Children was RIGHT ON in my book. The virulent response from members of your own denomination was telling - that's why there are so many ex-christians of so many denominations. It is more comfortable and spiritually rewarding to withdraw from that kind of hate and make one's own religious path. I just read thru your (St. Peter's) website. Thank you for fighting back.

Jude Gassaway
Edgewater, Colorado

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