When Unity Did Exist

Many of us from St. Peter's were at Yankee Stadium with Pastor Benke September 23, 2001 when he offered his prayer. As he left us late that afternoon, he told us that he would be traveling early the next morning to St. Louis for a meeting with the Council of Presidents of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. After his report that Monday he came back and told us what great support he had received. In February St. Peter's and all the congregations received a letter dated Wednesday, September 26^th called "A Pastoral Letter in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod." It was adopted unanimously by the entire top Church leadership and states as follows:

"Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Jesus Christ, the heaven-sent Rescue-worker for all people, says: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Very few of us have lived through times such as these when this promise from the Lord Jesus has been more appropriate.

September 24, 2001, we listened as Synod President Gerald Kieschnick and Atlantic District President David Benke gave eyewitness reports on the destruction and death left as a result of the evil acts of a few. The enormity of the devastation, the tremendous loss of life, and the deep emotional wounds have revealed the fragility of life and the ever-present reality of sin and death. Whether it's at ground zero in New York City or Washington, D.C., in Pennsylvania or Oklahoma City, a nation and a world have been left with many questions-questions concerning the cause of what has happened and questions concerning what tomorrow might bring.

Recent events provide the Church with a significant opportunity to serve in the Name of Christ by giving comfort to the grieving, the distressed, and the fearful, and to proclaim the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our lord. Give generously to our LCMS World Relief campaign: "Comfort and Renew." Our hundred percent of the funds gathered will go the locations where healing is so desperately needed.

We commend President Kieschnick and District President Benke for the strong leadership they have given at this time. We commend them, and others like them, for the compassion and the encouragement they have given to the caregivers. We are especially grateful for the many pastors and church leaders who seize the opportunity to bring a clear testimony of hope in Christ to people everywhere.

We also speak for the entire Synod when we thank God for all who have worked tirelessly, often at great personal risk, both in New York City and Washington, D.C. In particular, we think of police officers, firefighters, emergency relief workers, counselors, chaplains, FBI agents and the military who have assisted and are assisting, those afflicted by this terrible disaster.

During these days of confusion, fear and uncertainty, we urge you to persist in your prayers. Pray for the nation and for leaders of the world that they may receive wisdom for the decisions they must make. Pray for the Church that it may be filled with the boldness and love the Spirit gives. Pray for those who represent our nation through military service. Pray for each other as we pray for you "that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which God has called us" (Ephesians 1:18). Remember that the One who rescued us from sin and death is at the Father's right hand making intercession for us (Romans 8:34). His love cannot be conquered. Therefore we face the future boldly proclaiming in word and deed the Lord Jesus.

In the strong Name of Jesus who has rescued us for life now and forever,

The Council of Presidents
35 District Presidents
5 Vice Presidents
The President of The Synod"

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