Senate Resolution No. 2191

BY: Senator BRESLIN

CONGRATULATING Deacon Walter Ayres upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Reverend Carlyle Adams Ecumenical and Interfaith Award by the Capital Area Council of Churches on September 18, 2019

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in our great Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Deacon Walter Ayres upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Reverend Carlyle Adams Ecumenical and Interfaith Award by the Capital Area Council of Churches, to be celebrated on Wednesday, September 18, 2019; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious award is bestowed upon a person who exemplifies an inclusive spirit, works to build bridges among religious groups, and is active in an ecumenical program or project; Deacon Walter Ayres is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, Deacon Walter Ayres has been active with the Catholic Charities Commission on Peace and Justice for more than 20 years, first as a member, then as the Chair, and, for the past five years as Director; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Deacon Walter Ayres is a member of the Interfaith Alliance of New York State, and currently serves on the Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany; in the past, he has participated in programs with the Muslim-Catholic Dialogue and the Jewish-Catholic Dialogue; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Deacon Walter Ayres on the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Reverend Carlyle Adams Ecumenical and Interfaith Award by the Capital Area Council of Churches, noting the work he has done to build lasting connections between people and organizations of different religious groups; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Deacon Walter Ayres.