Annual Clergy Conference: "Scripture, Reason, and Tradition"

[September 11, 2025]  The Diocese of Hawai'i held its annual Clergy Conference on Hawai'i Island, August 25-27, 2025, at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. This year's event was well attended with nearly 40 clergy participating.  The guest speaker was the Rev. Canon C. K. Robertson, Ph.D., who has served for many years as Canon to the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church as well as Distinguished Visiting Professor at General Theological Seminary.  

When describing Robertson for the conference, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick shared this:  "[Chuck] has a unique perspective to help clergy understanding of the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church at this point in history. Further, he's worked with many bishops and now three Presiding Bishops, and has a special insight into the episcopate. He can help the clergy of our Diocese understand the unique role of Hawai'i within the Episcopal Church, keeping an eye to Asia and the Pacific, and the impact that might have on our prayer and rumination in electing the next bishop." ​

Clergy were impressed.  Shared one, who wanted to remain anonymous, and ended up being quoted for the title of this article:

​Having our time together grounded in Scripture was more than just centering and helpful. It was a powerful and prudent call-back to our “Scripture, Reason, and Tradition” Episcopal/Anglican ethos. As Canon Chuck presented and shared with us, taking us back to the very early “church” in Jerusalem and then to Antioch and beyond, I could not help but remember the preface written by our founder King Kamehameha IV in his translation of the Book of Common Prayer:

Ua lehulehu na lala o keia Ekalesia ma na aina a pau. O ka mooolelo o kona iho ana mai mai na Aposetolo a hiki mai i keia manawa, aole ia he mea ike ole ia e ka lehuleho. Nolaila, ua makehewa paha ka hai ana'ku i ke kukulu mua ia ana ona, ma na wahi a pau. Aia no ia ma Amerika, ma Asia, ma Europa, ma Aferika, a me na mokupuni hoi o ka moana, a ke ike nei kakou ua hiki mai nei i keia manawa ma keia mau pae ama.

There are branches of this Church in every land. How the Church has come down from the times of the Apostles to these days in which we live is not a matter about which the generality of men are ignorant. It were useless perhaps to set forth how she has taken root sooner or later all over the world. She is planted in America, in Asia, in Europe, in Africa, in the islands which stud the ocean, and now, behold! she is here with us in these islands of our own.

“We were challenged to “be like Barnabas” as in Acts 11:25-26, and make a difference for God, in our lives!”  ~ The Rev. Hau'oli Tomoso

On the first day's session, the Conference Eucharist was held at the Church of the Holy Apostles, followed by dinner. After the morning sessions over the next two days, attendees found time to relax, fellowship, and explore the lush East side of the island, filled with lots of great photo opportunities. Enjoy some their pictures here!

"I look forward to our annual clergy conference. During the year, we are isolated at our own churches, everyone working and worshipping on Sundays. The clergy gathering gives us the needed time for camaraderie, education, and time with the Bishop. I find it very valuable. Mahalo nui!" ~ The Rev. Keleawe Hee

"Mahalo nui to the Bishop and Canon Sandy for gathering us together and inspiring us to know and make known our roots, and to be guided again! And mahalo, too, to Canon Chuck for his teaching and wisdom!" ~ Anonymous

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Mahalo to the photo contributors for sharing their pictures: The Rev. Deacon Alberta Buller, The Rev. Cn. Sandy Graham, The Rev. Malcolm Keleawe Hee, The Rev. Moki Hino, The Rev. Brian Rallison, The Rev. Hau'oli Tomoso, The Rev. Peter Wallace