Introduced Version
SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION No. _____
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED RESOLUTION
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION congratulating Jerry Zehr for
being honored as the 2023 Interfaith Ambassador by the Center for
Interfaith Cooperation.
FORD J.D.
, read first time and referred to Committee on
2023 DC 1912/DI TB Introduced
First Regular Session 123rd General Assembly (2023)
SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION No. _____
1 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION congratulating Jerry
2 Zehr for being honored as the 2023 Interfaith Ambassador by
3 the Center for Interfaith Cooperation.
4 Whereas, Jerry Zehr went to Snider High School in Fort
5 Wayne, Indiana, graduated from Ball State University with a
6 degree in Speech and Theater, and is now a resident of Carmel,
7 Indiana;
8 Whereas, After beginning his career as a Hollywood actor,
9 Jerry Zehr pursued a more fulfilling and righteous vocation
10 and discovered a Protestant church that resonated with his
11 faith in a loving and all-welcoming God;
12 Whereas, Jerry Zehr attended the Disciples of Christ
13 seminary in Indianapolis, was ordained in 1985, and has
14 served as an ordained minister for over 35 years;
15 Whereas, Beginning in 1989, Jerry Zehr committed himself
16 to interfaith work, forming and becoming the President of the
17 Indianapolis Interfaith Alliance, the first such organization in
18 the area that included Muslims, Bahai, and other faith
19 traditions;
20 Whereas, A leader in interfaith ministries for over 35 years,
21 Jerry Zehr helped create four interfaith organizations,
22 including the Carmel Interfaith Alliance and the Indiana
23 Multifaith Network;
2023 DC 1912/DI TB 2
1 Whereas, Jerry Zehr has served on the Board of Associated
2 Churches and United Way in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was a
3 member of the Northern Kentucky Interfaith Commission;
4 Whereas, Serving as Chairperson of Vision Southside, a
5 coalition of faith communities and businesses from the
6 Southside of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jerry Zehr contributed to
7 making the area more prosperous for businesses and residents;
8 Whereas, Jerry Zehr led congregational efforts that made
9 possible many specific projects in the rebuilding of Bosnia after
10 the war ended in 1995;
11 Whereas, Jerry Zehr serves as the senior pastor at Carmel
12 Christian Church and received the Range Line Pioneer Award
13 from Carmel's Mayor Brainard in 2021;
14 Whereas, Jerry Zehr led several Habitat for Humanity
15 house builds, resulting in over a dozen local churches funding
16 and framing seven houses;
17 Whereas, Also a published author, Jerry Zehr's works
18 include the novel "Blurring the Lines" and "The Peacemaker's
19 Path," which offer readers insight and connection to various
20 faiths and traditions;
21 Whereas, Jerry Zehr has run four marathons, is an amateur
22 magician, and competed in the World Series of Poker, which he
23 says gives him a chance to connect with people from around the
24 country on a regular level;
25 Whereas, Jerry Zehr and Diane, his wife of over 37 years,
26 have two daughters and two grandchildren; and
27 Whereas, In the face of rising political polarization and
28 religious division, Jerry Zehr has committed his life to
29 illustrating the commonalities between cultures and faiths,
30 celebrating differences, and fostering communities of peace and
31 understanding: Therefore,
2023 DC 1912/DI TB 3
1 Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly
2 of the State of Indiana, the House of Representatives
3 concurring:
4 SECTION 1. That the Indiana General Assembly
5 congratulates Jerry Zehr for being honored as the 2023
6 Interfaith Ambassador by the Center for Interfaith Cooperation.
7 SECTION 2. The Secretary of the Senate is hereby directed
8 to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Jerry Zehr.
2023 DC 1912/DI TB