This page was updated on 01/27/2023.

Ecumenical & Interfaith Services: Bringing the Community Together

Photo: Mike Peacock

[Chronicle, January 26, 2023]  ​January is a busy month of special observances and services, especially here in Hawai'i. Epiphany (January 6) marks the end of the Christmas Season as we journey towards Lent, but in between, we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday), Ho'okuikahi (January 17) honoring Queen Lili'uokalani on the date of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25), and Religious Life Sunday (January 22).

All of these observances and services have brought the community together; people of different races, beliefs, and faiths, marching, praying, chanting, listening, and remembering those who paved the way with the hope of a better, more peaceful world. A number of clergy from the Diocese of Hawai'i, including our Bishop, take part in these events. Below we share images from two of these very special events, and the livestream of the Ho'okuikahi service in its entirety.

January 17:  The 30th Anniversary of Queen Lili'uokalani Ho'okuikahi Reconciliation
By The Rev. Kaleo Patterson

​Marking the 100th anniversary of the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani and the Hawaiian Kingdom, Ho'okuikahi, a project of remembrance, commemoration, education and advocacy, began on January 17, 1993.  On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 130 years since the overthrow and the 30th anniversary of Ho'okuikahi, thousands showed up for the annual Onipa'a Peace March. Later that evening, the 30th annual Ho'okuikahi Reconciliation Interfaith Service was held at the First United Methodist Church. 

​Healani Sonoda Pale, a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, gave major leadership to the annual Peace March that runs from  Mauna Ala (the Royal Mausoleum) to 'Iolani Palace. This year, Dr. Kahu Haaheo Guanson of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, and St. Stephen’s member Charles Mailo, joined in the walk with over 4,000 participants which included many schools. To view a news video of the march and service by KITV4 News, click HERE.

Opening the evening service, Kahu Mark Kekaileonui Haworth blew the opening conch shell and led the Halau Wa'a Episcopal Ensemble in singing "E Ke Akua Mana" and "Nu 'Oli."  This service was historic in light of a proposed Apology to Native Hawaiians being considered for the 2024 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Hawai'i Conference of the United Church of Christ was also in attendance and participated in the planning.  They passed a National General Synod Resolution last year titled “Ending the 128 Year War between the U.S. and the Kingdom of Hawai'i." 

The annual service this year was well attended with participants from many churches and faiths, including Jewish, Muslim, and Buddists. Mahalo to the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i for it’s history of support of this annual event for the last 30 years. The event is a project of the Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center. For more information or to make a donation please contact Dr. Kahu Kaleo Patterson (808 330-3769) or Dr. Kahu Haaheo Guanson (808 330-3771).

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30th_anniversary_of_queen_liliuokalani_service_bulletin.pdf
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Download the service bulletin above to view the readings, resolutions, supporters and participants from various interfaith organizations who made this possible.

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January 18: Ecumenical Taizé Service

The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an ecumenical week of worship and education coordinated by the World Council of Churches, of which The Episcopal Church is a founding member. This year, the Week of Prayer ran from January 18-25, and the theme was “Do good; seek justice” (Isaiah 1:17).

A Taizé prayer service was hosted at the Holy Spirit Parish/Newman Center on the University of Hawai'i Manoa Campus. A Taizé worship service involves sung and chanted prayers, meditation, a period of silence, liturgical readings, and icons. There is no preaching. 

Taking part in the service were leaders from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, United Methodist Church, and others.  From the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, our Bishop, the Right Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick, the Rev. Haaheo Guanson, and the Ven. Steven Costa participated in the service.  

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Sybil Nishioka, Editor
Special Mahalo for contributions from: The Rev. Kaleo Patterson, The Ven. Steve Costa, The Rev. Diane Martinson
Photos Onipa'a and Ho'okuikahi:  Mike Peacock
Photos Taizé: Dann Ebina, Rae Costa