Lutheran head barred from acting on dispute

ST. LOUIS — The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) is still wrestling with whether one of its own should be punished for praying at a televised  ecumenical service for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

After weeks of internal debate leaders in the church have finally concluded who gets to decide the district president’s innocence or guilt. Surprisingly, it is not the president of the synod.

LCMS Atlantic District President David Benke took part in the Sept. 23 “A Prayer for America” at Yankee Stadium after seeking LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick’s approval. Kieschnick approved, Benke prayed and then 17 pastors and one congregation brought charges against Benke because the event included non-Lutheran and non-Christian religious leaders.