GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 29, 2006) — Rev. Gerald Zandstra has returned to the Acton Institute as a Senior Fellow following the announcement that he has ended his campaign for election to the U.S. Senate.

“Rev. Zandstra brings a powerful skill set to Acton,” said Kris Alan Mauren, executive director. “His deep knowledge of economics and theology - and the respect he has earned in Protestant Christian circles - will be immensely important to advancing the institute's work.”

Zandstra had served as Acton's director of programs for five years before he went on a leave of absence in 2005 to run for the Senate. In his new position, he will contribute to Acton's research and educational programs through writing and speaking.

An ordained pastor in the Christian Reformed Church in North America, Rev. Zandstra holds a B.A. in psychology from Calvin College, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology from Calvin Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry in Church Management from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Public Administration. He has served three congregations, two in Michigan and one in New Jersey.