(This page was last updated: 12/26/2025)
CURRENT STATUS: The application window has closed and the Search Committee is reviewing the applications. Due to the strict requirements of confidentiality, committee members cannot reveal any information at all, including the number of applications received. Please continue to pray for the discernment process. The slate of three candidates will be announced on March 16, and the nomination by petition period will be open from March 16 to March 23.  

Diocesan Profile of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

(You can view the profile in magazine view below, or click HERE to download & view the file (updated 11/14/2025). )
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PRAYER FOR THE SEARCH FOR OUR NEXT BISHOP:  Gracious and loving God, we seek your provision as we search for the next bishop for the Diocese of Hawai'i. Help us recognize your divine plan and call a leader who will shepherd us along that path, a bishop who will embody and foster in us the wonders and excitement of discipleship. Grant us the wisdom to elect a bishop who will journey with us through challenging times and bring us ever closer to your eternal dream for humanity. Keep the Standing Committee, Search Committee and Transitions Committee focused on their mission, providing them with strength and determination to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and to hear the voices of all the people of the Diocese. Finally, send your gracious Spirit to the members of the Convention of our Diocese who in faithful discernment will elect the next bishop. We ask all of this in the name of your Son, our loving Savior and ever-present Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Bishop Fitzpatrick's Announcement:

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick, fifth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, formally announces his resignation on Friday, April 25, 2025, and calling for the election of the Sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i.

​In addition to his video message, a copy of the Bishop's official letter of resignation is available to view and download HERE. ​The letter contains important information including a timeline for the next 18 months as it pertains to the search process and transition to a newly elected Bishop.

Latest News:

This section lists all Diocesan communication pertaining to the search and transition with links to recorded meetings and documents; the most recent listed first. Click on the linked article titles to read. If you would like to receive the Diocesan news directly to your inbox, sign up HERE.
 

Upcoming Events:

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
View below or click HERE to download a pdf file.
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TIMELINE CHART 2025 & 2026
Click on image for larger view:
IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE:
  • APRIL 2026 - Ke Aloha Kākou candidate meet-and-greets where all are invited to meet the candidates and their spouses.
    • ​​​April 23 - Kaua'i
    • April 24 - Maui / Moloka'i
    • April 25 - O'ahu / Guam
    • April 26 - Hawai'i Island
  • Saturday, May 16, 2026 - Special Meeting of the Convention of the Diocese of Hawai'i with the single purpose of electing the sixth Bishop of the Diocese.
 
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Recorded Meetings & Documents:

JULY 14, 2025, LETTER TO CHURCHES WITH QUESTIONNAIRE
A letter was sent to clergy, wardens, and church administrators about communication pathways available during this information-gathering stage of the Bishop Search and Transition Process. This included a questionnaire each church has been asked to complete. The letter and the accompanying questionnaire can be viewed HERE.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025: VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
The Diocese's first virtual Town Hall Meeting for the Search & Transition took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The recorded session and accompanying slideshow presentation are shown below:
 
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Your Standing, Search & Transition Committees:

STANDING COMMITTEE:
Chuck Spence, President (Maui)
Joan Sokei-Vila Secretary (Maui)
The Rev. Jazzy Bostock (O‘ahu) 
Mary Carpenter (O‘ahu) 
The Rev. Mark Haworth (O'ahu)
The Rev. Keleawe Hee (O‘ahu) 
Hans L'Orange (Hawai'i Island)
The Rev. Andrew McMullen (Kaua‘i) 

Mahalo to the previous members who have been a part of the search process.​
SEARCH COMMITTEE:
​Sheryl Seaman, Chair (O‘ahu)
The Rev. John Lunn, Chaplain
The Rev. Dcn. Alberta Buller (Hawai‘i Island)
Joseph Cascio (Maui)
The Rev. Amy Crowe (Maui)
Pam Fern (O‘ahu)
The Rev. David Gierlach (O‘ahu)
The Rev. Dcn. Hannah Lee (Guam)
Jadine Lujan  (Guam)
Sara Nyoma (Kaua‘i)​
The Rev. Dcn. Mary Margaret Smith (Kaua‘i)
Evette Tampos (Hawai‘i Island)
TRANSITIONS COMMITTEE:
​Roth Puahala, Chair (O‘ahu)
​The Rev. Libby Berman, Co-Chaplain (O‘ahu)
The Rev. Paul Nahoa Lucas, Co-Chaplain (O‘ahu)
The Rev. Dcn. Lani Bowman (Hawai‘i)
The Rev. Keleawe Hee (O‘ahu) 
Velma Lee (O‘ahu)
The Rev. Irene Egmalis Maliaman (Guam)
Deann Megonnell (Kaua‘i)
Brian Shuster (Maui)
If you have questions for any of the different committees, send it using the contact button shown. Once received by the Search & Transition Administrative Assistant, your question will be directed to the proper committee/person for a response. 
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