Upcoming Election: Statement on Question #1

With the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, I share the following statement with the Diocese and the community:

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi supports the current ballot initiative in the State of Hawaiʻi to remove discriminatory language in our State Constitution that states "the Legislature has the authority to define marriage as between one man and one woman". During the coming election, we, therefore, affirm voting “yes” on “QUESTION #1: Removal of Specific Language Concerning the Authority of the Legislature to Reserve Marriage to Opposite-Sex Couples: Shall the state constitution be amended to repeal the legislature’s authority to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples?” As a Diocese, we have supported marriage equality for many years. Marriage is now open to all couples in our Church and nation. At every baptism and confirmation, Episcopalians affirm that we “will strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.” Voting “yes” on Question #1 helps us fulfill this obligation by removing discriminatory language from our State Constitution.  

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick, Bishop

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi

Be sure to stay informed with the Bishop's latest messages by clicking on the button shown. All video messages also appear on the Dioceseʻs YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

"Island Fever: Connecting Across the Island"

Diocesan Youth Day on Hawai'i Island

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Diocesan Youth Team sponsored the first island-wide Youth Day on Hawai'i Island. In line with the event's theme, "Island Fever: Connecting Across the Island," youth from around the Big Island gathered at St. Columbaʻs, Paʻauilo, for a day of fun, food, fellowship, and faith. Three staff members from Camp Mokulēʻia joined volunteers from St. Columba's and St. James' to lead the group of twenty 5th-12th graders through a myriad of fun activities. Refreshments and a delicious lunch were provided by St. Columba's. Towards the end of the afternoon, Kahu Kawika Jackson led a short time of reflective worship to round out the day. Afterwards, several of the youth asked when they could do this again. The intention is to do this at least once a year, and to duplicate this on the other main islands as well. (Photos: Susan Acacio, David Jackson)

Kalani Holokai: The Diocese's Community Relations Coordinator on Maui

Kalani Holokai has accepted the role of the Diocese's Community Relations Coordinator on Maui. After months of serving as the Community Relations Administrative Assistant, her experience, knowledge, connections, and outstanding work with the people of Maui, left no doubt that she was already doing the duties of the Coordinator, a position that has been open for a while. Congratulations and mahalo Kalani, for all of your hard work and compassion for the people of Maui, as they continue to grapple with the many challenges of recovery after the wildfires. Those needing assistance on Maui may contact Kalani HERE.

Are we being the best stewards of our buildings? How might they be better used as an asset to further God’s work in your corner of God’s Garden? Are they connecting with our mission? Are there development or revenue possibilities that could be explored? Here’s your chance to explore what this might mean/look like in your congregational context! Please join us for a conversation with Jessica Ripper, Diocese of San Diego’s Mission Real Estate Portfolio Manager, on Zoom, October 26, from 9:00 - 10:30 AM (HST). Sign up with Canon Sandy Graham HERE.

Back in May of 2023, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick sent out a letter with an appeal to raise up more deacons in the Diocese, along with a bold vision that every church have at least one deacon. (Read his letter HERE.) Referred to as a "Ministry of Servanthood" the work our deacons take on is a selfless and sometimes thankless role, as they reach out and serve those most in need in our community. Many deacons still have full-time secular jobs while ministering (in or outside of the workplace) as an instrument of God’s presence. They are on the frontlines of ministry in the world and inspire others to serve Christ, wherever they are. Do you know someone who may fit this calling? Are YOU being called? For more information, visit our recently updated Deacon's webpage HERE and meet some of our wonderful deacons in the Diocese.

Early Reminder for Episcopal Advent & Christmas Resources

The Episcopal Church is pleased to again offer special resources this Advent and Christmas to help you and your congregation share the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Click HERE to find links to all resources including Advent curriculum, calendars, bulletin inserts, digital and printable resources for social media, websites and around town; sermons and lesson plans; Advent wreath-making video, and so much more!

Watch the Special Choral Evensong Celebrating Honolulu Pride Weekend

Closing out the Honolulu Pride weekend was a special Choral Evensong at The Cathedral on Sunday, October 20. Readings were inspired by the Feast Day of Pauli Murray and some of Dr. Murray's own writings. Listen to a Recital from the Gay Men's Chorus of Honolulu. You can view the entire service on YouTube HERE. (From The Cahtedral's Facebook page)

Joing the Churchwide Virtual Celebration:

The Investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe

Saturday, November 2, 2024 (5:00 A.M. HST)

In this historic and joyful season, we invite you to pray for guidance for our church and our new presiding bishop as he leads us in envisioning the reign of God in our midst. May our celebration unite us as a sacramental community, and may we be filled with new energy to bear witness to God’s work of redemption. For more information, visit the event page HERE.

After 24 years of adaptive ministry, Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe faces biggest challenge yet

(October 24, 2024) Two decades ago, the future of The Episcopal Church looked grand, ambitious and much bigger.

The bishops and deputies at the 74th General Convention, meeting in summer 2003, embraced a bold new initiative dubbed the “20/20 vision.” Its broad scope sought to refocus the church in nine areas, from congregational development to funding and reporting. READ MORE