Here they stand

Religion: A year later, controversy over a post-9/11 "interfaith" service still threatens to split Missouri-Synod Lutherans | Edward E. Plowman

ONE OF THE INDIRECT 9/11 casualties was a conservative denomination that is still, a year later, struggling to regain its balance: the 2.6-million-member Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

The hit came 12 days after terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center, at a city-sponsored prayer service in Yankee Stadium emceed by TV personality Oprah Winfrey. Rev. David Benke, a Brooklyn pastor and president of the LCMS's Atlantic District, joined with clergy from other denominations and religions on the platform. LCMS president Gerald Kieschnick had given him permission to take part in what both men considered was a civic event of national significance. Rev. Benke led in a brief and somewhat generic prayer, ending it "in the precious name of Jesus."