(This article was updated on June 1, 2026.)

Historic Election of the Sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻ​i

[Honolulu, HI] "IMUA! ONWARD!" declared the new bishop-elect of The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i! On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Rev. Elizabeth “Libby” Berman was elected sixth bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i (the Episcopal churches in the Hawaiian Islands, Guam and Saipan), by nearly 130 clergy and lay delegates. The Special Meeting of Convention was held in 'Iolani School's new state-of-the-art Arrillaga Student Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

​Folks began arriving as early as 7:00 a.m. on a picture perfect day!  A small army of volunteers was ready and waiting at the check-in tables dressed in bright yellow shirts and smiles to match.  Pre-convention communication stressed the importance of arriving on time, and people heeded the call! After checking in, early birds could enjoy a continental breakfast under the tent next to St. Alban's Chapel, and wait for the Convention Eucharist to begin at 8:00 a.m. (Go to the Convention Eucharist section for photos of the service and be sure to visit the Memorable Moments section for a variety of photos of the day including our volunteers.)​

​Following the service, folks made their way to the Tsai Dining Hall in the Student Center to find their seats and settle in. There was a different sort of energy in the room, unlike that of any diocesan gathering in recent years. Anticipation? Nervousness? Excitement? Apprehension? Perhaps a mix of all of the above? Afterall, it had been 20 years since the diocese held an election for bishop, and it would be a new experience for many.
​
Joining the Right Rev. Robert L. Fitzpatrick ("Bishop Bob") on stage were the Rev. Annalise Pasalo, Secretary of Convention, the Rev. Jennifer Masada, Dispatch of Business Chair, and Ms. Martha Im, Chancellor Emerita.

The Rev. Paul Nahoa Lucas, co-chaplain of the Transitions Committee, led the opening prayer in both English and Hawaiian. He mentioned that the prayer being shared would be a part of the soon-to-be-approved Book of Common Prayer translated in Hawaiian. 

Introductions followed along with acknowledgments and thanks to the various individuals and committees involved with the search and transition.  But before the start of official business, Bishop Bob took a moment to recognize the Rev. Canon Sandy Graham who will be leaving the diocese soon. He received an emotional standing ovation for his faithful service to the Diocese of Hawai'i for the past ten years. (Read more under the Memorable Moments section further down on this page.)

​Bishop Bob called the meeting to order and invited Jill Haworth, Chair of the Credentials Committee, to read the Quorum Report, and she confirmed there was a quorum in both clergy and lay orders. Faye Hee, also from the Credentials Committee, offered resolutions on behalf of Diocesan Council to allow seat, voice, and vote for delegates from two congregations who were slightly late in submitting their assessments. Both resolutions passed by a simple majority.

The agenda was adopted and the Bishop went over pertinent information, reminding everyone that the sole purpose of the meeting was to elect the sixth bishop of the diocese. Chuck Spence, President of the Standing Committee, presented the candidates for election: the Rev. Canon Andrew Arakawa, the Rev. Elizabeth "Libby" Berman, and the Rev. Timothy "Tim" Yanni (who was at home in Phoenix, Arizona), and formally announced that voting could proceed.

Elections Co-chair Jeanne Cooper, walked through the electronic voting process that involved holding a mock election. Staff and volunteers were on hand to assist those in need with their devices. Voting was separate for clergy and lay which involved two different voting urls (internet sites). It was not without challenges and delays, but eventually, the mock ballot was cast, and the results announced. Amongst a field of famous names, Cinderella garnered the most votes in both orders (clergy and lay), but she failed to get the majority in either one. Had it been an official vote, there would have been another ballot until a majority was reached in both orders on the same ballot.

Confident that everyone was finally ready to vote, the Bishop gave some last minute instructions and Dispatch of Business Chair, Jennifer Masada, went over the numbers required for an official election. The first ballot was cast, but due to a technical issue, had to be  relaunched and voting went smoothly.

​After the ballot closed, the Bishop, Chuck Spence, and the two candidates that were present, Arakawa and Berman, left the dining hall. They headed to separate rooms for prayer and where the results would be shared privately first. (Yanni would be contacted by phone.) Meanwhile, the Rev. Mark Haworth, the Rev. Canon Sandy Graham, and the Rev. Jennifer Masada provided prayer and music for all in the dining hall.  

About 25 minutes later, the meeting was called back to order. The Bishop asked Convention Secretary Pasalo to announce the results of the second ballot. She directed everyone's attention to the screens on the walls, and in the same breath, said, "I am happy to share that we have an election! I invite the Convention to stand and greet the Reverend Elizabeth "Libby" Berman, Bishop-Elect!."

​​Cheers and applause erupted! Libby Berman had been elected with 34 votes in the clergy order (32 needed) and 56 votes in the lay order (51 needed). 

Chuck Spence, President of the Standing Committee, escorted Berman to the front of the stage where the Bishop joined them. As the crowd settled down, the Bishop invited everyone to sing the doxology in four languages, beginning with Hawaiian, then English, Ilokano, and CHamoru. Joining the meeting's musicians were representatives to help lead the doxology in the different languages. They were the Rev. Paul Nahoa Lucas (Hawaiian), the Rev. Imelda Padasdao (Ilokano) and the Rev. Canon Irene Maliaman and Maximo Ronquillo (CHamoru).

“Aloha to all in the islands and Håfa Adai Guam and Saipan,” greeted Berman following the doxology. She addressed the Convention with grace and humility, choosing to "talk story" and share a personal reflection. She spoke about her connection to the diocese that started at age ten during a visit with relatives in the islands. Through the years, her frequent trips to Hawai'i with family in tow would inevitably include visits to the Episcopal churches on the different islands. A yearning tugged at her heartstrings each time. In 2020, she was called to serve at the Church of the Holy Nativity in Honolulu where she has been their rector for the past six years. Berman shared that some of the very churches she visited during those trips were the ones where the Ke Aloha Kākou Meet and Greets were held. This was a journey that had come full-circle.

Berman thanked the committees involved in the search process and the diocesan staff. She graciously acknowledged her fellow candidates, the Rev. Tim Yanni and his wife Brandy (who "mentioned Jesus all the time!") and the Rev. Canon Andrew Arakawa and his wife Kim, dear friends and colleagues whom she embraced with deep aloha and a spirit of unity. Berman thanked Bishop Bob and his wife Bea for their decades of service to the Diocese and is looking forward to hearing about their plans going forward. The Bishop-Elect closed with a prayer by Kumu Wendell Silva, along with a rousing “IMUA, ONWARD!”

---

​With only voting clergy and elected lay delegates allowed into the meeting area (along with staff and volunteers), Libby's husband Mark joined about a dozen visitors and alternates in a second floor classroom nearby where they could watch the livestream. Paul and Cindy Schumacher from St. John's on Maui, flew over just for this event. Cindy, who has written articles for The Chronicle as well as local news outlets, didn't want to miss this!

"Watching the streaming of the election with old and new friends from other churches was an exciting and wonderful experience," said Schumacher. "Even more special, Paul and I got to watch it with Rev. Libby's husband Mark, who was later joined by one of their daughters." Cindy captured this glowing photo of Mark who had just learned about the election of his wife.

​The meeting was adjourned after the signing of official documents including the Testimonial of Election and closed with the singing of Queen Liliu'okalani's "He Pule."  It was an event that took over a year to coordinate and ended just in time for lunch!

---

Livestream of the meeting (breaks & downtime removed)

---

 

QUICK LINKS:

Letter from the President of the Standing Committee:
Reflections on the Election of the Sixth Bishop of Hawaiʻ​i 

The Diocese of Hawaiʻi gathered for the Special Meeting of Convention on May 16, 2026, for the sole purpose of electing the Sixth Bishop of Hawaiʻi.  We are grateful to share that the election proceeded smoothly, prayerfully, and with a deep sense of unity, reflecting the strength and faithfulness of our diocesan ʻohana.

With joy and thanksgiving, we offer our warmest congratulations to the Bishop-Elect, the Reverend Elizabeth “Libby” Berman. We hold her in prayer as she enters this next stage of discernment and preparation, and we give thanks for her willingness to offer herself in service to the Diocese of Hawaiʻi.

We extend our profound appreciation to the voting clergy and lay delegates, whose careful preparation and prayerful discernment shaped the day. We also give heartfelt thanks to the many individuals whose leadership and service helped the Convention unfold with clarity, grace, and a deep sense of shared purpose:

READ FULL LETTER HERE

---

 

The Convention Eucharist

In a letter prior to the Special Meeting of the Convention, the Bishop stressed the importance of the Convention Eucharist which is required by The Episcopal Church in Hawai'i's Constitution (Article VI):

"I think it very important for all voting clergy and delegates to gather at St. Alban’s Chapel of ʻIolani School, Honolulu, at 8:00 AM, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to celebrate as a Convention the Holy Eucharist. All are welcome, but to spiritually prepare, it is imperative that those voting gather for prayer and Holy Communion before the meeting convenes."

The service, held in 'Iolani School's St. Alban's Chapel, was well attended, but kept low-key. There was no formal procession but the voices that echoed in song surely rivaled any top choir! The Bishop's sermon was kept short but with an important message for those about to determine the leadership and future of the diocese. The service ended about 40 minutes before the start of the meeting, giving folks ample time to grab some refreshments and prepare mind and heart.

video clip coming soon

 

Return to top of page ^                    Return to Quick Links ^

Insights: Getting to Know the Bishop-Elect

While women bishops in the Episcopal Church today are not uncommon, it is a historic time in the life of the Diocese of Hawai'i with the election of its first female bishop. When asked how it felt to be a part of this historic moment, Berman replied, "I am thankful to be able to say that, to me, it feels 'normal' when women are called to be bishops."

Indeed, Berman was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Massachusetts by the Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris, who was consecrated in 1989 as the very first woman bishop in the entire Anglican Communion.

"She was an incredibly significant role model for many of us," said Berman, "especially women leaders across the church. I hope we are moving to a place in our church where we always will choose the person whose gifts and skills are needed for a particular moment in time, rather than having any concern about gender."

Berman's election makes her the second female bishop connected to the Diocese. The Right Rev. Diana Akiyama, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon, was the priest at St. Augustine's on Hawai'i Island before being called to her home state in January, 2021.

Libby and her husband Mark have been "very happily married" for almost 35 years, and have two daughters, now in their 20s, Samantha and Emily.

"[Mark] is a computer scientist whose work has always included research," shared Berman, "we do very different kinds of work and have very different skills!"

Their eldest daughter Samantha, seems to be following in her dad's footsteps, teaching computer science and AI here on O'ahu. Youngest daughter Emily lives and works in London, far away on the other side of the globe. "Time with either or both of them is precious!" said Berman.

The day after the election, Bishop Bob and Bea headed to ‘Āina Haina to worship with the people of the Church of the Holy Nativity, and their rector, the new Bishop-Elect Libby Berman! With the future of the Diocese now a part of her reality, Libby has much to consider as she transitions from rector to bishop. With the help of her Associate Rector, the Rev. Jenn Latham, the flock there will be in good hands as her focus shifts to the entire diocesan 'ohana.  ​

Berman has many ideas for the diocese that involve "youth and family ministries, care for our clergy, full welcoming of Guam and Saipan into our diocese, seeking the best ways to shape disciples in this decade, finding the uses for our many beautiful properties, strengthening our justice ministries, our commitment to the ʻaina, and so on!"
​
​"The most important tasks for the immediate future are to talk story and get to know one another well," said Berman. "Then we will be ready, as a diocese, to choose our goals, making very specific plans for those things that we can and will accomplish. Strategic work is work that I love and which I predict we will be ready to engage together by the end of our first year."

---

---

​In an online exchange, the Bishop-Elect answered questions about her reasons for applying, her hopes, and a few of the tasks and issues she will address going forward.  Click on the dropdown links below to read her responses:

ANSWERING THE CALL

Background: The deadline to apply for the bishop search was December 1, 2025.  After that deadline, anyone desiring to be considered had to wait until the Nomination by Petition period. It is a seven-day window that follows the announcement of the slate of candidates presented by the Search Committee. For this search, the candidates were announced on March 12, 2026, and the petition period ended on March 19. Because the rigorous requirements to apply during this time are the same, it is uncommon to receive additional applications.  Additionally, with the Search Committee's task officially completed, applications submitted during this period are reviewed and approved by the Standing Committee and not the Search Committee.

Q: Your application was submitted during the petition of nomination period. Can you share how that came to be and what prompted you to submit your name at that time?
​
Berman:  ​I initially discerned, last November, that I was not called to submit my name to the process.  I knew the work of the next bishop would be significant, particularly given the long tenure of Bishop Bob Fitzpatrick.  I wasn’t certain I was ready to begin a challenging new call.  Beyond that, I had come to the Diocese of Hawai'i with the intention of spending many years at Church of the Holy Nativity and retiring from my position as rector there.  I have been so happy in that congregation, working with everyone in our school and across our campus; I felt, at that time, that I should remain there.  In February, however, I met with a group of clergy colleagues, with whom I have been in touch and on retreat with for over twenty years.  They said they sensed in me something they hadn’t heard before and they encouraged me to go back into discernment. Through prayer and some conversations with clergy colleagues and Education Day at the end of that month, I came to the conclusion that God, in fact, was calling me to be a part of the process.

ENGAGING DIVERSE CULTURES

Q: How do you plan to learn about and engage with the numerous cultural communities in the diocese?

​Berman: I mentioned in one of our meet-and-greet sessions around the diocese that while it is incredibly important to honor the history and legacy of Hawaiians in these islands, acknowledging their sovereign government and deep care for the ʻaina, we also have layers of other peoples’ stories here: immigrants who have come here from Japan, China, the Philippines, Korea, and Micronesia, to name just some of them.  And Guam and Saipian have joined our diocese, as well.  A full understanding of our diocese includes all of these stories together.

Before coming to serve in Hawaiʻi, I was Canon for Congregations in a very large and diverse diocese.  I had the incredible opportunity there to worship, consult and plan with people from Africa, the Caribbean, indigenous New England communities, and Latin America.  From that work, I learned that there is no substitute for person-to-person conversations that build relationships and trust.  Our best tool for doing that work in our diocese, I believe, is the Hōʻimi Pono curriculum.  It invites us into deep work across difference and is flexible enough to be used in many different ways.  

I am incredibly excited about learning from my brothers and sisters from many cultures here and encouraging us to do that work all together!

GEOGRAPHIC CHALLENGES

Q: The diocese is geographically challenging. Do you have ideas for addressing the alienation that some of our congregations may feel? 

Berman:  I am so sorry that some of our congregations [may] feel isolated, either from other congregations or from our whole diocesan ʻohana.  I hope and pray that people I talk with will speak up about their concerns so they can be known and addressed.  Jesus taught us that the most important people are those who are least important in the eyes of the world. Children were always at the center for him, as well as those who were at the margins of society and all who were excluded.  That is the manner in which we should honor one another in this diocese, as well.  I like to ask, “Who is not at the table?  Whose voice is not here?”  I will do my best to ask those questions regularly and to encourage others to ask them, as well.

THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH (DOOM & GLOOM?)

Q: When thinking about the future of the Church with reports of declining membership, conflict within congregations, natural disasters, homelessness, societal and political divisions (doom and gloom) etc., how do you address these issues with grace and unity to lift up and inspire our congregations?

Berman: Times have always been difficult for human communities. As people of faith, though, we can gain confidence from our understanding that God walks with us, guides us, and comforts us, no matter our circumstances.  God is as close as our breath to us and always present.  In these particular times of anxiety, we can take the lessons Jesus taught us about how to live in love and build up community. That is where life truly is!  As the learned Rabbi Tarfon taught ages ago: "It is not [our] duty to finish the work, but neither are [we] free to desist from it."  We can remember that we are people of the resurrection, as we walk forward to liberate others with that joy.

 

IMUA! ONWARD!

Return to top of page ^                    Return to Quick Links ^

Memorable Moments

The meeting was shorter than anticipated but there were still memorable moments that made this gathering very special.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT & DOXOLOGY

video clip coming soon

video clip coming soon

MAHALO & ALOHA CANON SANDY
​Before the start of official business, Bishop Bob took time to recognize the Rev. Canon Alexander "Sandy" Graham, Canon to the Bishop, who will be leaving the diocese soon. His wife, the Very Reverend Heather Patton-Graham, Dean of the Cathedral of St. Andrew and Chaplain at St. Andrew's Schools, accepted a call in Virginia, and Canon Sandy will be joining her there. He received an emotional standing ovation for his faithful service to the Diocese of Hawai'i for the past ten years. His leadership and dedication to the people of the diocese cannot be measured by applause or words alone. He has been the Bishop's "right-hand" and sounding board, organized events and activities, guided congregations through difficult transitions, been a beacon of help and hope through disasters, and brought joy and laughter to those fortunate enough to engage with him. Both he and Heather will be deeply missed.  Mahalo and aloha Sandy and Heather! (Read the Bishop's heartfelt reflection about Sandy HERE, that appeared in the May 14, 2026 issue of the Hawaiian Church Chronicle.) 

---

GATHERING & FELLOWSHIP
​Diocesan gatherings are always filled with lots of fellowship and cameraderie, but due to the geographic nature of the diocese, the cost to travel can be prohibitive, limiting opportunities for more group activities. It takes special events like this to bring folks together, to join in worship, and to fellowship.  

---

MAHALO TO OUR VOLUNTEERS & PARTNERS

We give thanks for the many volunteers who turned out to help at this important event! Their efforts were invaluable to the Diocesan Support Center staff who relied on them for election support, greeting and guiding individuals, checking in clergy and delegates, monitoring the entrances, assisting folks with their devices for voting, and so much more! Their help was crucial for a successful election! Mahalo nui loa!

A special shoutout to 'Iolani School whose IT and A/V crew went over and above to get everything set up! We are so blessed to be able to utilize such a wonderful campus, with awesome chaplains to make sure things are handled! Plus their food service is always top notch! 

Return to top of page ^                    Return to Quick Links ^

---

​Reporting: Sybil Nishioka, Communications Specialist and Editor
Unless otherwise noted, all photos and video clips by Sybil Nishioka