File #: Res 0438-2002    Version: * Name: Supporting Reverend David Benke
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Committee: Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations
On agenda: 8/15/2002
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution supporting Reverend David Benke, President of the Atlantic District, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, who was recently suspended from his denomination's clergy roster for participating in the patriotic civic event at Yankee Stadium on September 23, 2001.
Sponsors: Erik Martin Dilan, James E. Davis, Simcha Felder, Robert Jackson, Michael C. Nelson, Jose M. Serrano
Council Member Sponsors: 6
Attachments: 1. Committee Report, 2. Hearing Transcript, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting
Res. No. 438 Title Resolution supporting Reverend David Benke, President of the Atlantic District, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, who was recently suspended from his denomination's clergy roster for participating in the patriotic civic event at Yankee Stadium on September 23, 2001. Body By Council Members Dilan, Davis, Felder, Jackson, Nelson and Serrano Whereas, In the wake of the terrible attack that occurred in New York City on September 11, 2001, former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani organized a patriotic civic event held at Yankee Stadium on September 23, 2001, which included religious leaders of diverse faiths; and Whereas, Reverend David Benke, President of the Atlantic District, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and School in Brooklyn, participated in this program, which was held to offer comfort and support to all those grieving; and Whereas, Reverend Benke's presence and participation was comforting to many, and provided an important contribution to the City's healing process after being torn by events unparalleled in this country in violence and terror; and Whereas, As a result of his participation, Reverend Benke was suspended from the clergy roster of his denomination, although he has served faithfully in Brooklyn and in New York State as a pastor, bishop, and civic leader, providing housing, education and care to all people regardless of race, creed, religion or country of origin; and Whereas, Reverend Benke's participation in this important event should be recognized as a wonderful gesture of support for a City and its people in great pain, and his actions should be appreciated for the comfort they provided; and Whereas, Reverend Benke should additionally be recognized for his leadership as the chairman of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports Reverend David Benke, President of the Atlantic District, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, who was recently suspended from his denomination's clergy roster for participating in the patriotic civic event at Yankee Stadium on September 23, 2001. DF LS#867 |1013| |1013|