Source: The Omaha World-Herald

On March 7, 2003 The Omaha World-Herald reported that "the Rev. David Benke, suspended president of the synod's Atlantic District, didn't dodge questions Thursday about his prayer at a post-Sept. 11 interfaith event. Benke lectured at Concordia University, describing his congregations' responses to the World Trade Center attacks... He said the disaster and his 30 years of ministry in New York City's melting pot help explain why he joined non-Lutheran clergy at 'A Prayer for America' at Yankee Stadium - an act that led to his suspension and could result in his defrocking... Missouri Synod Lutherans can take advantage of unusual opportunities to spread the Gospel without violating the beliefs that the 156-year-old church body holds dear, Benke told about 500 people during the annual Martin and Regina Maehr Lecture."