Senate Resolution No. 1314

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING FOCUS Churches of Albany upon the
occasion its designation as recipient of the Pearl
and James Campbell Peace and Justice Award by the
Capital Area Council of Churches on October 13, 2021

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and

WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and Nation to pay tribute
to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to the
ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor FOCUS
Churches of Albany upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of
the Pearl and James Campbell Peace and Justice 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 Pearl and James Campbell Peace and Justice Award is
presented to a person who in his/her life's work has shown to be a
friend of peace and justice, as were the Campbells; and

WHEREAS, FOCUS Churches of Albany is a group of six covenant
churches, four faith affiliates and two faith partners doing together
what cannot be done alone; these members are committed to food justice
through direct service programs and public sponsorship; and

WHEREAS, For more than five decades, the members of FOCUS Churches
of Albany have been called upon to contribute their time and talents to
countless civic and charitable endeavors and have always given of
themselves unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, FOCUS Churches of Albany gives voice to critical issues of
hunger and homelessness and joins with other organizations to raise
awareness of the impacts and needs of those living in poverty; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of its community service, a
period of constructive involvement, FOCUS Churches of Albany stood
constant in dignity and good grace, serving hungry bodies and souls; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals and organizations for the benefit of others which FOCUS
Churches has displayed throughout the last 50 years; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations 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 FOCUS Churches of Albany upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the Pearl and James Campbell Peace and Justice Award by the
Capital Area Council of Churches on October 13, 2021; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to FOCUS Churches of Albany.