Archbishop Alex J. Brunett of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle received the Family Values Award, given around the world by local areas of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Archbishop Brunett was recognized for his outstanding outreach and support to families during his 13 years of leadership.
The Family Values Award has been presented for several years to recognize those who promote and defend the family.
During Archbishop Brunett’s tenure, Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services have served more than 10 million meals, provided nearly 2.2 million nights of shelter, opened 1,101 new units of affordable housing, and offered 21 million hours of service to the elderly and disabled.
The award was presented 21 November during an interfaith service in Seattle, where civic and faith leaders joined to recognize the retiring archbishop.
Elder R. Bruce Merrell, leader of the Church in the Everett, Washington area, said, "Simply put, it could be said of Archbishop Brunett as it was of Jesus of Nazareth in Acts 10:38, '[he] went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed ... for God was with him.’"
Governor Christine Gregoire also issued a proclamation declaring 21 November 2010 as Archbishop Alex J. Brunett Day for Washington State.