The Most Reverend Dr. Mark Zorn, DD, DRS

The Most Reverend Dr. Mark Daniel Zorn is the Archbishop and Founder of the Dallas Universal Life Church (DULC), an inclusive faith community guided by the creed of 1 John 3:18: “Let us not love in word or tongue but in deed and truth.” Since founding DULC in 2016, Archbishop Zorn has led with the conviction that all paths lead to God, inspiring others through the church’s motto: “Love in Action, Faith that Inspires.”

Born Mark Daniel Manning on December 15, 1973 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, he later adopted the name Mark Daniel Zorn in 2024 to honor his family’s heritage. Raised in Dallas, Texas, he showed extraordinary creativity from an early age—acting and modeling at age seven, starring in the first Dallas Children’s Theater commercial, and becoming a two-time Texas State Piano Champion. At just twelve years old, he began working as a promotions assistant for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, a role he held for more than a decade.

Beyond ministry, Archbishop Zorn has been a lifelong advocate for equality, community health, and animal welfare. He is a former Mr. Gay Dallas, recognized for his visibility in the LGBTQ+ community. Since 2015, he has been actively involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, honoring his late grandmother Evelyn Miller McKool, who passed away in 2019 after a long battle with the disease. 2025 marks his 11th consecutive Walk to End Alzheimer’s, with five years serving on the event’s planning committee. Since 2018, he has also served as a District Captain for the ASPCA, mobilizing volunteers and lawmakers to advance animal welfare protections nationwide.

Zorn’s personal journey has also been shaped by love and partnership. For sixteen years he shared his life with Ronald Jerome Alford (1947–2010), known to audiences nationwide as the legendary entertainer Sheri Powers. Alford held numerous titles, including Miss Gay Universe and Miss Gay Dallas, and worked as a Dallas cosmetologist for over 35 years. Together, Zorn and Alford represented resilience, visibility, and compassion within the LGBTQ+ community. Zorn continues to honor Ronald’s memory as both partner and inspiration.

Today, Archbishop Zorn extends his ministry through media and the arts. He is the driving force behind DULC TV Network and The ZUE Radio, branded “Music in Motion, Faith that Inspires.” He is also the founder of Mark Zorn Music, an independent music imprint releasing original works on Spotify and UnitedMasters. His songs, including “Just Go” and “Don’t Go”, blend classical training with modern influences.

In addition, Archbishop Zorn helps promote the Texas Entertainer of the Year (EOY) F.I., a premier female impersonation competition that celebrates artistry, tradition, and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Archbishop Zorn is recognized not only as a spiritual leader but also as an artist, activist, and innovator. His mission remains simple: to enlighten and uplift others through love in action, creativity, and a faith that truly inspires.