Atlantic District Publications

Letters from the President - The Papal Visit

April 21, 2008 at 11:55 AM

Greetings in the Precious Name of Jesus, saints of the Lord!

I must begin with a major thank you to our Atlantic District Ecumenical Officer, Pastor John Hannah, for his work in communicating with the Archdiocese, and with transporting and arranging for Drs. Kieschnick and Nafzger.  Those on the local Lutheran/Roman Catholic dialog team were also notably present and active in dialog through the afternoon. As may be mentioned elsewhere, there were more Lutherans in attendance than any other ecumenical group.  The ELCA nationally and locally had at least 15 people there, by my estimation.

Since there were no liturgists or participants at the service other than Roman Catholics, mostly Pope Benedict himself, it was not in fact an "ecumenical" service in participation, but in attendance.  The "covenants of love" of the Missouri Synod were honored throughout the event.  Fifteen ecumenical representatives were given the privilege of bring personal greetings to Benedict XVI after the benediction had been pronounced. Eleven of those bringing personal greetings were national representatives, including the daughter of Martin Luther King, several representatives of various Orthodox traditions, Reformed, Presbyterian, Baptist, Pentecostal and Evangelical leaders, and the ELCA national Ecumenical officer, Rev. Donald J. McCoid. Four spiritual leaders from New York were chosen, including A. R. Bernard and Jimmy Lim, President and Executive Director of the Council of Churches, City of New York; Bishop Sisk of the Episcopal Diocese of New York; and me.

EWTN, the Roman Catholic cable network, carried the event with commentary by Fr. Richard John Neuhaus.  He plays a part in my own dialog with Benedict XVI.  I called him at about quarter to three, asked him the "pro forma" for greeting a Pope.   Fr. Neuhaus provided me with various options.  Then I told him I was planning at some point to mention him to Benedict XVI as a mutual friend.  He said in his inimitable way, "That will no doubt bring a smile to the Holy Father's face, David."

With heightened security and advance preparations, plus many musical offerings, we were in the sanctuary by 4:00 PM for the 6:00 PM service.  This allowed time for interpersonal interaction and dialog among the diverse attendees, which was most appreciated and productive.

As Benedict XVI arrived, the service began immediately. The ecumenical service itself was highlighted by Benedict's address, which can be accessed online, by the choir rendition of the motet "Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden" by Bach, and by the hymnody - "Draw Us In the Spirit's Tether" and "Now Thank We All Our God (with a verse auf Deutsch)".  So Bach, the "Fifth Evangelist," was featured.

After the benediction, the ecumenical greetings took place, beginning with the national ecumenical leaders.  I was the first local leader to be called forward.  As I approached the altar, my name was announced as the Bishop of the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  At the same moment I was approaching and greeting the Pope -  "Holy Father, I am most privileged to represent the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and its members."

With that stereophonic mention of the LCMS, Pope Benedict's face lit up, and he responded most enthusiastically, grasping my hands, "Ah!  The Missouri Synod Lutheran!!  Please greet them all in the Missouri Synod for me!"

This was very obviously, certainly to me, but to all who saw it, not a formal response, but a very real interaction, very animated, personal and joyful.  So I went forward with the next phase, saying, "As you know, the Missouri Synod is the baptismal home of our mutual friend Father Richard John Neuhaus."  Again, he responded warmly and grasped my hands, saying "Yes!  Wonderful!"  Neuhaus was right.  Mention of his name brought a smile to the Holy Father's face.

Then I ended by stating, "I am thankful for the theme you have chosen - Christ Our Hope.  It mirrors the simple confession of Martin Luther, 'Was Christum treibet.'  God bless you."   And then, having greeted, I returned to my seat.

As I watched the ceremony for youth at the seminary in Yonkers today, Pope Benedict said to the assembled throng, "Ultimate Truth is found in a Person - Jesus Christ."

Was Christum Treibet!  That which bears Christ!

Thanks for the privilege of serving as your District President, and for being allowed to represent our Missouri Synod.

Rev. Dr. David H. Benke

President of the Atlantic District - LCMS