Senate Resolution No. 1313

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Dr. Peter Zaas upon the occasion of his
designation as a recipient of the Carlyle Adams
Ecumenical and Interfaith Award by the Capital Area
Council of Churches on October 13, 2021

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Peter Zaas has given not only of his time and energy
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special recognition; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Peter
Zaas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Carlyle
Adams Ecumenical and Interfaith Award by the Capital Area Council of
Churches, to be celebrated at its Fall Awards Assembly Dinner on
Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the Italian American Community Center,
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1941, the Capital Area Council of Churches
(CACC) is a fellowship of more than 90 faith communities in the Capital
District; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization provides a wide range of services
and programs dedicated to bringing congregations together in solidarity
to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and provide ecumenical and
interreligious education, advocacy and worship; and

WHEREAS, CACC also offers a range of interfaith worship services,
celebrations and forums such as Ecumenical Witnesses of Baptism, the
Good Friday service and an annual musical celebration; and

WHEREAS, The Carlyle Adams Ecumenical and Interfaith Award is
presented to individuals who have worked to bring the message of
ecumenical or interfaith unity to his or her congregation and the wider
community through advocacy, activism and participation in programs; Dr.
Peter Zaas truly exemplifies the inclusive spirit of Dr. Adams; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Dr. Peter Zaas is a Professor of Religious
Studies and the Director of the Hayyim and Esther Kieval Institute for
Jewish-Christian Studies at Siena College; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Peter Zaas has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; he has been involved in several
ecumenical and/or interfaith programs and projects; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Dr. Peter Zaas has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Dr. Peter Zaas has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Peter Zaas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Carlyle Adams Ecumenical and Interfaith Award by the Capital Area
Council of Churches on October 13, 2021; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Peter Zaas.