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The "I Am Dave" Letter The following became widely known as the I AM DAVE letter by people who wanted to identify themselves with the actions of Pastor Dave Benke in Yankee Stadium on September 23, 2001. It was composed by Pastor Edward A. Scott of Hobe Sound, Florida and was originally sent to Synodical President Gerald Kieschnick in February 2002. Shortly thereafter, a copy was e-mailed to the remaining members of the LCMS Praesdium and the Chairman of the synodical Board of Directors. Days later every District President in the LCMS including Dr. Benke received one as well. Since the Chairman of the Board of Directors never shared the letter with the rest of the Board, it was eventually sent to all BOD members as well. The writer also shared I AM DAVE with his congregation and other contacts in LCMS congregations. Because of its popular appeal people began asking if they could attach their names to it. Almost everyone in Pastor Scott's congregation signed it. Pretty soon the letter took on a life of its own. Within a few months upwards of 500 people from coast to coast attached their names in order to say I AM DAVE. It is impossible to say exactly how many "signed" because some sent their own I AM DAVE e-mails to the aforementioned synodical leaders while others asked Pastor Scott to send their names on their behalf. It should be noted that the ultimate purpose of the letter was not just to support Dave Benke and to advocate for good pastoral care, but also to strike the conciliatory note that is foundational for the resolution of differences as well. February 19, 2002 Dear Synodical Leader: Greetings in the name of the Suffering Servant who, thankfully, died for you and me. Some years ago there was a movie starring the then young, handsome and muscular Kirk Douglas. It was called "Spartacus." The film chronicled the story of a Roman gladiator/slave who led an army of slaves in an uprising in 71 B.C. Spartacus and his ragtag "army" of rebels and upstarts defeated the Roman legions twice. In the end, though, after a long and bloody battle, Sparatcus and his men were conquered by the Roman General Marcus Crassus. In the movie, the victorious and heady Crassus tells the thousand survivors in Spartacus's army, "You have been slaves. You will be slaves again. But, by the mercy of the Roman legions, you will be spared your rightful punishment of crucifixion…." The sigh of relief among the captives was audible. But then Crassus continued, "On one condition! All you need to do is turn over to me the slave Spartacus, because we do not know him by sight." After a long pause the honorable Spartacus, who clearly does not want to see those who fought so valiantly die, steps forward and says, "I am Spartacus." He is ready to suffer bravely whatever fate awaits him. Crassus believes his victory is complete. Not only has he quelled the uprising, he has also captured the infidel. Or so he thinks…. Until suddenly the man next to Spartacus rises and shouts, "I am Spartacus." Then another stands and shouts, "I am Spartacus." Then another and another and another. Within a minute, every man is on his feet shouting "I am Spartacus." During this Lenten season we retrace the steps our Savior took on the road to the cross to achieve our eternal salvation. From our perspective on the Easter side of Calvary, we are clear how Jesus accomplished such a formidable task. He stood up for us. He took on our sin. He bore our name. Even now, when I deserve judgment, Jesus stands in my place and shouts, "I am Ed." And the rest is redemption history, thanks be to God. Christ does the same for everyone on either side of this ridiculous struggle over the Yankee Stadium event. I do not wish to get bogged down in endless theological discussions about unionism or syncretism or protecting the Word of our God, who is more than capable of taking care of Himself. Nor do I want to get hung up citing constitutional Articles and Bylaws that leads to weeks, even months of wrangling and divisiveness. I just need to say this: On September 23, 2001 Pastor and Atlantic District President Dave Benke prayed in Yankee Stadium. In dire and unprecedented circumstances this elected official did was he was elected to do: he led. In dire and unprecedented circumstances this servant leader did what he was called to do: he served. In dire and unprecedented circumstances this man of God did what a lifelong diet of Word and Sacrament equipped him to do: he loved. Pastor Dave Benke reached out to thousands in the Stadium and millions watching on television, sharing a word of compassion in the name of Jesus Christ. He stood shoulder to shoulder with people of other faiths in the face of immeasurable grief at a time when bonding and connectedness was of paramount importance to begin healing the gaping and raw wound in the heart and psyche of America. Yet, what Dave Benke did was not really remarkable. When we get right down to it, he was just doing his job. And I like to think that I would have done the same thing. Which brings me back to Spartacus and his army. In the same spirit of solidarity and vision that prompted each slave to rise up and say, "I am Spartacus," so I feel compelled to shout today, "I am Dave!" If everyone in the Synod who is motivated by the same kind of vision for outreach, compassion and healing that has guided President Benke since September 11, were to stand up and say, "I am Dave," and act accordingly, this nonsense might soon be over. For one, Pastor Benke would no longer be standing alone. Secondly, Dave would be surrounded with love instead of judgment. In such an atmosphere, even his foes could be freed to communicate as they should have from the beginning — like brothers and sisters in Christ. In the end, the Gospel might even trump the Handbook. Boy, would that be a breath of much needed fresh air for Missouri! Finally, and perhaps most importantly — the Synod might start being a church body on the march instead of a battleground for civil war. In these trying times the Synod needs leadership at all levels, but especially from those in District and Synodical offices who have the visibility, the respect of the laity and the theological credibility to make a difference. From my vantage point in south Florida, such proactive leadership is seldom apparent, and in the face of the Benke fiasco, the credibility of the Synod and its leaders is diminishing in the minds of many laypeople and clergy, perhaps beyond repair this time. When I say, "I am Dave," it is (among other things) because I am thankful that Dave Benke, by leading in a proactive and pastoral manner, has represented what the LCMS can (and should) become. If the Synod hurts Pastor Benke, it hurts me, because "I am Dave." By the same token, if the Synod hurts Dave it hurts me, because "I am also the Synod." If there are matters theological and/or constitutional that we need to talk about, so be it. But let's not do it at the expense of a man's life and career, because that will only hurt each of us as individuals and all of us a Synod. Still praying that together we can have a vital church, Edward A. Scott, a.k.a. DAVE |
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