Permission to Pray

Maybe you remember the name David Benke.  The Rev. David Benke.  He was chastised by the officials of his denomination, the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, for participating in an interfaith prayer service held in Yankee Stadium after the September 11th, 2001 attacks.  At the time he was accused of worshipping with those whom the church called "pagans"--Hindus, Muslims and others.  In time he was cleared of the charges and allowed to take to his pulpit.  But not without formal proceedings which could have gone the other way.

Well, it has happened again.  The Rev. Rob Morris, the new pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, CT, took part in a service held to honor the victims and survivors of the shootings at Sandy Hook School.  He gave the benediction.  A blessing on those gathered in grief.  A good and noble thing pastors are often called on to do, not just in their own churches, but in public places as well.

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod prohibits it's clergy from participating in worship services with other religions.  There are theological reasons for this, focused primarily around an understanding that participating in such services is tantamount to endorsing the beliefs of other faith communities. 

I'm sorry--I just don't agree!  Over the years I have had the privilege of working with clergy and lay people of many other faith traditions on worship services, educational forums, advisory boards for various organizations including a large suburban daily paper.  My presence was not an endorsement of their theological positions.  Just because I pray alongside a Muslim doesn't mean I am agreeing with his understanding of Jesus (which is dramatically different from mine!)  Just because a platform at a public service with a Hindu doesn't mean I subscribe to her approach to divinity!  No, participating in such joint worship experiences bears testimony to my belief that God means it when God says love your neighbor!  Participating in such events expresses my belief that the wonder and mystery of the Holy extends far beyond my own limited understandings!

Pastor Morris, according to the New York Times, has issued the apology that church officials demanded.  I understand--sometimes you have to do what you have to do.  But as far as I'm concerned no apology was necessary, for it was a bold witness to his faith in the Man of Nazareth who often reached out to those with whom he disagreed.