Regarding this issue, I feel we should ask ourselves, "What would Jesus have done?" He was roundly criticized by the Pharisees for consorting with "taxpayers and sinners" and yet he repeatedly stated through his actions and words that that was exactly where his ministry was intended to be.
Looks like we are seeing the modern day Pharisees in action with this decision to suspend Rev. Benke over abstract theological purity issues rather than ministering "unto the least of these"....
Jesus said, "I have come to call sinners to repentence." Show me how Benke, through his actions and words, called the sinners to repentance.
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me." Show me how Benke, through his actions and words, clearly confessed the person and work of Christ and made plain that we come to God through Christ alone.
Looks like we are seeing the modern day Pharisees in action with this decision to suspend Rev. Benke over abstract theological purity issues rather than ministering "unto the least of these"....
Explain to me how affirming the ministrations of pagan clerics and letting their followers remain secure in their empty, hope-less religions that cannot give them forgiveness for their sins or save them from death--explain to me how that is an "abstract theological purity issue."
Christ never participated in Greek, Samaritan or other non-Jewish prayers. Even to consider such possibility is blasphemous. You have right to pray to Zeus, Shiva, Allah, Great Architect of Universe or some generic syncretic god but do not claim to be a Christian, "right wing religious fanaticism" notwithstanding.