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A 2001 Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod document acknowledges that civic events can be opportunities for witness when one can speak freely. Although it does not allow altar-pulpit fellowships with Christian churches that interpret Scripture differently, the document recognizes "once in a lifetime" civic events that merit special consideration.

One possibly helpful model is a recent interfaith meeting on world peace that Pope John Paul convened in Assisi, Italy. Leaders from different faiths gathered for a common time of testimonials and shared hopes, but when it came time to pray, they went to separate rooms—Muslims to one, Christians to another, Jews to another.

Such questions as these may help Christian leaders decide whether to participate in an interfaith event: Do I have the right to be distinctively Christian in this event, or would I be forced to minimize important differences? Am I free to speak as I wish? Is there an aspect of the gospel it would be appropriate to share? What is the message I would send by not participating?

For David Benke, who leads a small congregation in Brooklyn, presence seemed better than absence. Indeed, he and Archbishop Anania Arapajian of the Armenian Church in America were the two Christian ministers who prayed clearly in the name of Jesus.

We live in a time when all too many people describe their faith merely as one of many equally valid truths. The stakes are too high to leave an empty chair when we have an opportunity to represent the Lord who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

During the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod controversy, Christianity Today interviewed several Christian leaders to find under what circumstances it is appropriate for Christians to worship or pray with non-Christians in 'Praying in Their Midst.'

Media coverage of the controversy includes:

Five charge Benke with syncretism — LCMSNews (Dec. 13, 2001)

Ruling voids charges against Kieschnick — LCMSNews (Dec. 11, 2001)

The limits of religious unity — The Washington Post (Nov. 24, 2001)

For more information on Pope John Paul's peace summit in Assisi, Italy, see Christianity Today'scoverage and the official Vatican site.

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March 11 2002, Vol. 46, No. 3