Honor Deacon Walter Ayres

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.