2024 DIOCESAN CLERGY CONFERENCE IN KAPOLEI
With feature by The Rev. David Stout

​[Chronicle, September 12, 2024]  The Diocese's annual Clergy Conference was held on O'ahu, at the Hampton Inn & Suites, August 19-21, 2024.  A departure from the usual neighbor island venues, this year's gathering brought attention to one of the fastest growing cities on O'ahu, better known as the "second city" or Kapolei. 

"[This is] why it is so important to have a church in this second city," remarked one of the attendees, "I had no idea how much Kapolei has grown."  Pictured above are some of the attendees who gathered for a group photo. Over 40 people registered for this event.

​The guest speaker was Dr. Kwok Pui-lan, who is the Dean’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. She is also a past president of the American Academy of Religion, and the former William F. Cole Professor of Christian Theology and Spirituality at the Episcopal Divinity School.

"I was very honored to be invited to speak at the clergy retreat and enjoyed meeting old and new friends there," shared Dr. Kwok, whose presentation was drawn from her recent book, The Anglican Tradition from a Postcolonial Perspective.  "I was delighted to find out several participants had already read the book and asked me to sign their copies."

The Rev. Jennifer Latham from Holy Nativity was one of those who read her book. "I really enjoyed reading Dr. Kwok Pui-Lan's book and participating in the sessions," said Latham. "She was an engaging speaker and appropriate for our context here in Hawai'i." 

"This was my first time interacting with the diocese's clergy," said Dr. Kwok, "and I found them very receptive to the ideas about Christian mission, interreligious engagement, and ecological and feminist theology that I shared. The 'annexation' of Hawai'i by the U.S. offers a particular lens through which to look at American history and the Episcopal Church from a postcolonial perspective. I have learned much from my visit, and in particular, the roles played by Asian Americans in developing the diocese.

While on O'ahu, Dr. Kwok had the opportunity to visit The Cathedral of St. Andrew and learn about its history and work in the community. "The Diocese of Hawai'i has a rich history, and I hope that more research about its diversity, music, and liturgy will be done and shared with the broader church."

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​"This was the best clergy conference I have ever been to, hands down! Dr. Kwock was engaging, taught me a lot, and had a beautiful mix of head and heart. I so appreciated her presentation, and the ways her material directly connected to us here in Hawai'i. I really loved and appreciated that the conference was in Kapolei. It let me show up as a mom and show up as a priest." ~ The Rev. Jazzy Bostock, St. John the Baptist & Maluhia Lutheran

"Dr. Kwok was just wonderful. I found her sessions spiritually nourishing and stimulating. I appreciated the various topics she addressed and gained a great deal of insight." ~ The Rev. Peter Wallace, St. Timothy's

​"Appreciated her theological perspective from a different euro-western point of view." ~ The Rev. Deacon Robert Steele, Holy Nativity  

(Anonymous comments:) ​"The guest speaker was very interesting and I enjoyed her focus on other theologians."
"Excellent lecturer and relevant topics" 

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(The following are excerpts from an article by the Rev. David Stout, who shared his Clergy Conference experience with his congregations of St. James' and St. Columba's in their weekly online newsletter dated August 23. The photos are from various clergy in attendance.)

​ “Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where He will.” -- St. Bede the Venerable
​By The Rev. David Stout, St. James'Episcopal Church, Kamuela

This past Monday evening I attended a worship service on O’ahu with the clergy of our diocese. We gathered under tents on the diocesan owned property in the center of Kapolei. It was a joyous outdoor Eucharist hosted by Hālau Wa'a Episcopal which is an Episcopal mission and the Diocese of Hawai'i's newest church plant. It was the first time I had worshipped in Kapolei. It was really terrific to see the fruits of so many years of hard work by so many folks seeking to cultivate a church in this area. 

​The ministry is now being led by the Rev. Mark Haworth (pictured above left). Mark is doing a terrific job and has a big vision in taking the church plant into this next chapter. Everything they do to gather for worship is “pack in and pack out,” as the neighborhood HOA (Homeowners Association) rules do not allow for containers or other such temporary structures on the property. The mission has a van and a trailer to transport all that is needed: the altar, tents, chairs, music equipment, etc. As I observed all they "haul," I was feeling exceedingly thankful for those of you who bring all needed for our Beach Mass, including the time you give to set up and break down. 

​Earlier on Monday, we clergy shared in discussion with theologian Dr. Kwok Pui Lan. Several from our parish heard her speak a year ago at the “It’s All About Love” conference in Baltimore. Kwok is smart, funny, kind, and practical. At the start of her conversation, she defined theology as “Faith seeking understanding” and spirituality as “Putting theology into practice.” We talked about how faith is being put into practice in Hawai'i. She pointed out something that I know resonates with many of us, saying "Many Anglicans (Episcopalians) would like to see the birth of such a new church: a church that is more concerned about God's mission than policing sexuality. A church that is not afraid of cultural differences but welcomes diversity as its strength. A church that is not centralized or hierarchical but celebrates democracy and participation of all who together constitute the Body of Christ."

There is an old saying, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Time and again, Jesus witnessed that the Good News is best preached with hands and hearts in servanthood. In this weekend’s Gospel, once again we hear Jesus state, “I am the Bread of Life.” When bread that sits too long it becomes stale. Bread is to be consumed. Jesus’ whole being is one of sharing himself so that we will be spiritually nourished and strengthened. I am also know that there is something very spiritually powerful happening when we break bread together. The bread becomes more than feeding our bodies, it is feeding our souls.

I came home from the conference so thankful for the opportunity to break bread with the other clergy of our diocese. 

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"The whole conference was very meaningful and enjoyable. In addition to the sessions, there was ample time for fellowship with colleagues, which I found deeply encouraging." ~ The Rev. Peter Wallace, St. Timothy's

"This is the best clergy conference I have attended in the Diocese of Hawai'i!" ~ Anonymous 

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Hospitality Hālau Waʻa-Style

Over the years, it has been a practice of a local or nearby church to host the first night's Eucharist service and dinner for clergy gatherings, and Hālau Waʻa Episcopal spared no effort in welcoming everyone. With no permanent structure in place, their worship services have been held under tents, pavilions, and even at the home of their Vicar, the Rev. Mark Haworth. They are known for their fabulous live music, hula by one of their wa'a ministries*, and hospitality. For the Clergy Conference, all this and a delicious Hawaiian dinner didn't disappoint! It was the perfect segue to a Clergy Conference that some clergy claimed to be the best they attended.

*Wa'a (small group) Ministries:  Small groups engage in activities during the week that empower each member's individual spiritual journey.  By incorporating Scripture and prayer with an activity, our souls are enriched by bringing God's word into our lives. (Hālau Waʻa Episcopal website)

"It was wonderful to be at Hālau Waʻa! The service under the tents and the Hawaiian dinner was perfect! The hula and the fellowship too!" ~ The Rev. Keleawe Hee, Good Samaritan

"It was a wonderful and spirit-filled service. I really appreciated the church's outpouring of hospitality - setting up and preparing, great music and service, including hula, and delicious dinner. Mahalo!" ~ The Rev. Jenn Latham, Holy Nativity

"Spectacular! Great fun and a wonderful worship time." ~ The Rev. Peter Wallace, St. Timothy's

"So uplifting, affirming that we are church deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. I loved the liturgy vibes. Great for the opportunity to meet my fellow partners in Jesus’ ministry." ~ The Rev. Deacon Bob Steele, Holy Nativity

"It was wonderful. The congregation spent money, time and energy to present a wonderful evening. I appreciate ALL of their efforts." ~ (Anonymous comment)

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Reporting: Sybil Nishioka, Editor & Communications Specialist
Mahalo to Dr. Kwok Pui-Lan and the clergy who took the time to share their comments about the conference.
Mahalo to Father David Stout for allowing us to share excerpts from his article.
Mahalo to all the clergy who shared photos:  Canon Sandy Graham, Father David Stout, Deacon Alberta Buller, Kate Cullinane, Peter Wallace
(Some photos were pulled from social media, newsletters, and websites.)