GC Connection

(Page last updated: 07/18/24) The General Convention Connection was created to keep the Diocese informed about the work of the Hawai'i Deputation, and the important issues The Episcopal Church is facing. The GCC is also a seasonal featured section in the Hawaiian Church Chronicle that first appeared in the September 22, 2022 issue. Posted on this webpage will be news, reports, updates and reflections from the Hawai'i Deputation. The following introduction is from a report and reflection by the GC80 (2022) Deputation Chair, Kim Arakawa.

How does General Convention benefit you, and how can you get involved?

These are essential questions – ones we hope to address in this new addition to The Hawaiian Church Chronicle through regular articles written by your elected deputies to General Convention. We intend to provide general updates and, more significantly, a deeper dive into the legislation process, the stories behind the experience, and the impact on our Diocese. As an introduction to this newly created Deputies’ General Convention Connection, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly express my gratitude for the substantial time, and dedication given by your deputies to best represent the Diocese of Hawai’i.

Quick Links:

Please check back for more GC81 Deputy reports and reflections over the coming weeks.

The Bishop's Reflection on GC81:

Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick shares his thoughts and reflections about The Episcopal Church's 81st General Convention, that took place in Louisville, Kentucky, June 23-28, 2024. In his video message, the Bishop talks about the three Resolutions submitted by the Diocese's Deputation, the election of the new Presiding Bishop, Sean Rowe, and what the future of The Episcopal Church.

Here are recommended links to sites with coverage about GC81:

GC81 ATTENDING DEPUTIES
(Listed alphabetically, hyper-linked names will take you to their report/reflection further below:)

Kimberly Arakawa
Mary Carpenter
The Ven. Steven Costa
The Rev. Cn. Brian Grieves (Alternate)
The Rev. David Jackson
Ryan Kusumoto (Chair)
The Rev. Jenn Latham (Alternate)
The Rev. Katlin McCallister
Roth Puahala
Evette Tampos (Alternate)
The Rev. Hau'oli Tomoso

Not in attendance but fully participatory:
The Rev. Charles Browning
Peter Lee

Official Youth Presence Representative:
Nicholas Livingston

SUMMARY RECAP OF
THE 81ST GENERAL CONVENTION OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
By Ryan Kusumoto, Chair of the GC81 Deputation (Posted 07/18/24)

The 81st General Convention was held in Louisville, Kentucky, from June 23 to June 28, 2024. General Conventions usually occur every three years. The 80th general convention was held in 2022 (pushed back because of COVID).

The General Convention is the highest temporal authority for The Episcopal Church, influencing decisions in parishes and dioceses. It consists of two houses: the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. For a resolution to pass, both houses must approve it in the same form. Unlike the U.S. Congress, General Convention does not have a President with veto power or a Supreme Court.

The House of Deputies includes representatives from all dioceses, each sending four lay members and four clergy members, along with alternates. The lay members from our diocese were Ryan Kusumoto, Kimberly Arakawa, Roth Puahala, and Mary Carpenter, with Evette Tampos (attended) and Peter Lee as alternates. The clergy representatives were Steven Costa, Hau'oli Tomoso, David Jackson, and Katlin McCallister, with Jennifer Latham (attended), Brian Grieves (attended), and Charles Browning as alternates. Additionally, we were fortunate to have Nicholas Livingston from Holy Nativity representing us in the Official Youth Presence.

The House of Bishops is composed solely of Bishops, with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick representing Hawai‘i.

At this General Convention, both houses debated nearly 400 resolutions, slightly fewer than in previous years. These resolutions focused on changes to the Prayer Book, Constitution and Canonical changes, and how The Church testifies to the world, addressing issues such as protecting water, opposing gun violence, safeguarding civil rights and marriage equality, promoting racial reconciliation, and caring for creation. Additionally, Sean Rowe, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania and the Diocese of Western New York, was elected as the new Presiding Bishop, succeeding Michael Curry. Julia Ayala Harris was re-elected for a second term as President of the House of Deputies. Below is a recap by day: READ FULL REPORT

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The Ven. Steven Costa (Posted 07/18/24)

In the months and weeks preceding General Convention, we began the process of gathering the flowers, and other supplies needed to weave a lei of Aloha (Love) we knew was our Kuleana to bring with us to Louisville. We prayed about the many legislative and administrative details of our obligations as Deputies representing the Diocese of Hawai‘i and the wider church. I knew our more detailed nā hoa hanau (cousins) of our deputation would give more attention to this area of our kuleana, so since I am not a detail person, I’m a big picture (nui ki’i) kind of guy, I will speak of the vision I had been given by my ancestors (kupuna) to share this Lei of Aloha with our brothers and sister coming together in Louisville.

As so often happens, the Holy Spirit (Uhene Hemolele) dropped flowers of our Lei of Aloha into place. We made beautiful yarn lei, for all our deputation to both wear and to gift as the Holy Spirit (Uhane Hemolele) so moved us. It’s been tradition, that we decorate our Hawai‘i stanchion, usually following the theme of our Diocesan efforts, at putting forth certain resolutions we felt would further ke Akua’s kingdom here on earth as in Heaven. So, it seemed a no-brainer that Queen Lili‘uokalani, Lahaina, and Ola I ka Wai would somehow have to be incorporated into our theme. So, the Hawaiian Madona and Child from Holy Innocents was selected, a beautiful rendition of Her Royal Highness Queen Lili‘uoukalani was also selected. I saw during Pentecost at the Cathedral, flowing ribbons, that represented the fire of the Holy Spirit. So, we searched out some blue and white flowing ribbon to represent the waters of Life. As we gathered there on the first day of General Convention, I felt the energy and enthusiasm of the collective members rise to the surface and their collective vision wove yet another flower of our Lei of Aloha. READ MORE

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The Rev. Canon Brian Grieves (Posted 07/18/24)

Four resolutions acted on by General Convention emanated from the Diocese of Hawaii either directed by Diocesan Convention or submitted by Bishop Bob or members of the 11 deputies and alternate deputies who attended Convention. With great joy Queen Lili’uokalani passed on the first of two readings to be added to the book of Lesser Feasts and Fasts. An environmental resolution passed calling for the closing of the Red Hill Fuel Facility and restoration of the aina around it. And, with a rousing standing ovation by the House of Deputies, the Convention approved the addition of Micronesia (Guam and Saipan) to be part of the Diocese of Hawaii.

The fourth resolution on a ceasefire in Gaza came from a resolution at the 2023 diocesan convention which directed the deputation to submit a resolution on the unfolding carnage in Gaza, including a call for a ceasefire. I worked with other deputies to draft Resolution D013 which was submitted by Deputies Hau’oli Tomoso, Steven Costa and Mary Carpenter. The original text is HERE.

A total of 17 resolutions were submitted on the topic of peace and justice in the Holy Land, the cradle of our faith. D013 was rewritten largely by the Bishop of Los Angeles and was eventually adopted without proposed language that would have named Israel as an apartheid government as recognized by major human rights organizations. The opposition to the use of the term came from the House of Bishops in the face of overwhelming support from the House of Deputies. The final text of D013 can be found HERE.
READ FULL REPORT

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The Rev. David Jackson (Posted 07/18/24)

This year's General Convention in Louisville went back to a more extended format of 9 days compared to that two years ago, the shortened COVID convention of just four days in length. I was heartened by what I saw as signs of vitality in our world-wide denomination, The Episcopal Church. The worship services were inspiring, with engaging sermons, stirring music, and the involvement of several different cultures represented up front. The participation of many young adults as Deputies was very encouraging, in addition to our Official Youth Presence from across the Church, including Holy Nativity's Nicholas Livingston! Nicholas and several others of the OYP made their voices heard and presented cogent arguments for their stances.

While the election of the next Presiding Bishop, as well as that of the President of the House of Deputies and the VP of the same house, seemed to promise competitive if not contentious contests, it turned out that there emerged a sense of consensus and unity with only one vote being required for each office. I was especially pleased with the election of the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, who had been one of my professors in my Doctor of Ministry program at Virginia Theological Seminary -- I found him to be very personable, responsive to student's needs, highly intelligent, and managerially-competent in having had to oversee two separate dioceses at the same time.
READ MORE

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The Rev. Jennifer Latham (Posted 07/18/24)

Through the lens of the ministry of environmental justice, the 81st General Convention was remarkable for the number of Creation Care initiatives and how many people spoke in support of green initiatives. A newly formed Green Caucus brought folks together from across the church to talk about how we as a church can meet the challenges of climate change and environmental justice. The Green Caucus meets monthly to share information and encourage one another in our work to care for Godʻs beautiful masterpiece. If you are interested in joining the Green Caucus, you can find them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556013429896) or you can email their leader, Emily Hopkins HERE.

On the first day of GC81 the Green Caucus gathered with the Green Bishops to share lunch. We were greeted by Dame Dr. Jane Goodall (in a video address: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TQy4nViBRnkIcE2mu3vIIB8REMBmpczm/view?usp=drive_link) who encouraged us as religious leaders to share the message of loving our neighbors, including Godʻs other-than-human creatures. She also encouraged us to bring a message of hope to our congregations, highlighting the resilience of nature, the amazing human ability to solve problems using technology, and the energy and commitment of young people who are empowered to take action. She encouraged each of us to know we can make an impact in small ways every day, that when gathered all together have a cumulative effect. READ MORE

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Roth Puahala (Posted 07/18/24)

It is with much gratitude and humbleness that I extend my thanks to the delegates of the 54th Annual Meeting of Convention of the Diocese of Hawaiʻi (2022) for allowing me to attend my first General Convention (GC) the Episcopal Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

I arrived in Louisville on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 19, to assist with set-up of booths for the Vergers, Ethnic Ministries and the Commissions of Indigenous Boarding schools on Thursday and Friday. This being my first GC, I have also been involved as a member of the advisory council of the Indigenous Ministries, the secretary in MW062 commission on the Episcopal involvement in boarding schools and a member of the Verger Guild.

While flying to Louisville from Hawaiʻi, and throughout my time in Louisville, I was visited by many of my ancestors to guild me, to clarify things and to always share Aloha.

Nānā i ke kumu, tells us to seek, and pay attention to the source and its beginning. It encourages me to look to my ancestors, and to God for guidance, help and love always.

There was a lot to prepare for this convention, to navigate, read, understand, seek added information if needed through the virtual binder; was not for the fate of heart. It was a lot of work, up late reading and researching, preparing testimonies and just being aware of its subject matter. Lobbing and talking with other deputies to support resolutions that mean a lot to you and hearing and understanding their resolutions. At the heart of all that was going on, I discovered this, and this is what matters: READ MORE

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The Rev. Hau'oli Tomoso (Posted 07/18/24)

My native and indigenous thinking and voice are important to me. I am a native Hawaiian Priest, with multi-ethnic/ cultural roots and nurturing. As a Deputy to the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church, I felt the "tug and pull" of agenda, from the duality of:

My ongoing experience of my Priesthood in Hawai'i Nei, with its layers of minority and "on the fringes" relationships and experiences. and
My "balancing-act" of needing to be a pastoral, spiritual, liturgical and governance leader, in a church that often does not truly reflect my minority and "on the fringes" relationships and experiences.

In Louisville, I felt and experienced the "tug and pull" of administration vs. mission. I know that I am mission-driven and not administrative, even though I've been, professionally, in administration for 22 of my 46 years of practice as a Social Worker.

So, when it came to a vote, I sat on the side of mission, i.e. the mission of the church. (I really don't care if 815 survives!) As a "Deputy of Color" I sat in the middle of multi-color and hues of color that, at times, felt like I was going against a tide. But, this is how it has been for most of my life. I am of the opinion that with Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe, The Episcopal Church will become more "colorful" and multi-cultural... and young/youthful. This fits well with my experiences here on Maui and the rest of Hawai'i Nei. I want to be a part of this tide, now lapping on the shores of The Episcopal Church in Hawai'i!

(Click HERE to read Hau'oli's Summary Report that was sent to the Bishop's Committee of Trinity By-the Sea, where he serves as the Vicar.)

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NEWS & UPDATES on GC81: (Most recent listed first)

Chronicle, June 27, 2024 - GENERAL CONVENTION 81: NEW PRESIDING BISHOP ELECTED! General Convention 81 (GC81) kicked off this past weekend with opening ceremonies, Eucharist and revivals on Saturday, and the start of legislative action on Sunday. Our Hawai'i Deputation has been hard at work advocating, discerning, making new connections, renewing old ones, and having fun too! READ MORE

Chronicle, May 23, 2024 - DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I DEPUTATION TO GENERAL CONVENTION: The 81st General Convention (GC81) will be taking place June 23-28, 2024. in Louisville, Kentucky. General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. Every three years it meets as a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, composed of deputies and bishops from each diocese. Please keep our Deputation team in your prayers as they continue to prepare for General Convention in just a few weeks.

They are: Lay Deputies - Ryan Kusumoto, Kim Arakawa, Roth Puahala, Mary Carpenter; Clergy Deputies - The Ven. Steven Costa, The Revs. John A. Hau'oli Tomoso, David "Kawika" Jackson, Katlin McCallister; Lay Alternates - Evette Tampos, Faye Hee, John Decker, Kenneth Peter Lee, Clergy Alternates - The Revs. Jennifer Latham, Canon Brian Grieves, Paul Lillie, Charles Browning, and this year's Official Youth Representative - Nicholas Livingston

RYAN KUSUMOTO FEATURED IN PODCAST - In a special episode of the "House of Deputies Blue Book Podcast" on May 8, Deputy Ryan Kusumoto joined the program's host and the House of Deputies President, Julia Ayala Harris on the topic "Forging Paths of Justice: The Constituting Group for Episcopal Coalition for Racial Equity and Justice." Click HERE to visit the program webpage or click on the image at right to listen now.

Chronicle, May 9, 2024 - IN THE NEWS The Episcopal News Service just released an article on the testimony given to the legislative committees on Prayer Book, Liturgy & Music, on resolutions that will be up for consideration in the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church this July, in Louisville, KY. Pictured front and center (below left) is the Diocese's Archdeacon, the Ven. Steve Costa, giving testimony during an online hearing.

Also providing input in the article is Mary Carpenter and Ryan Kusumoto. The resolution calls for the addition of Queen Lili'uokalani into the Church's calendar (AKA Lesser Feasts & Fasts). All three are part of the Diocese's deputation to General Convention. Click HERE to read the article.

WRITTEN TESTIMONY NEEDED - Folks are invited to submit written testimony for our Queen, with an emphasis on her role as a peacemaker and woman of faith who lived a life of humility and forgiveness. At the last General Convention in 2022, our Archdeacon Steve Costa introduced the resolution and proposed collect (shown above right). NOTE: If you already submitted testimony at the 80th GC, it is on file and you do NOT need to suibmit again.

Chronicle - March 28, 2024 - GENERAL CONVENTION YOUTH PRESENCE: CONGRATULATIONS NICHOLAS LIVINGSTON!

Eighteen young people from every province in The Episcopal Church will serve as the Official Youth Presence for the 81st General Convention, meeting June 23-28, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. Representing Province VIII and a member of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in ʻĀina Haina, is Nicholas Livingston, a junior at 'Iolani School. Nicholas has already served as a delegate at Diocesan Convention for Holy Nativity the past couple years, serves as an acolyte, assists with their tech team, service readings, and is an alumnus of Holy Nativity School. CONGRATULATIONS NICHOLAS!

Chronicle, February 9, 2023 - INTRODUCING GC81 DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I DEPUTATION The 2024 General Convention Deputation (GC81) from the Diocese of Hawai'i, held their first (online) meeting since being elected at last year's Diocesan Convention. Shown in the Zoom screenshot, are 12 of the deputies and alternates. The GC81 Deputation consists of:

Lay Deputies:
Ryan Kusumoto
Kim Arakawa
Roth Puahala
Mary Carpenter

Clergy Deputies:
Steven Costa
John A. Hau'oli Tomoso
David "Kawika" Jackson
Katlin McCallister

Alternates (Lay):
Evette Tampos
Faye Hee
John Decker
Kenneth Peter Lee

Alternates (Clergy):
Jennifer Latham
Brian Grieves
Paul Lillie
Charles Browning

Official Youth Representative: Nicholas Livingston

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GC80 DEPUTIES:
(Listed alphabetically, hyper-linked names will take you to their article further below:)

Kim Arakawa
Mary Carpenter
The Ven. Steve Costa
Faye Hee
The Rev. Malcolm Keleawe Hee
Ryan Kusumoto
The Rev. Jennifer Latham
The Rev. Paul Lillie
The Rev. John Hau'oli Tomoso

Kim Arakawa, Chair of the GC80 Deputation (Posted 09/22/22)

As you may know, GC80 was initially slated to occur in 2021. However, due to the global pandemic, it was delayed a year. The current slate of deputies, elected to their seats at Diocesan Convention 2020, met online monthly for over two years to learn about the legislative process and build community. Several folks on the team, myself included, were first-time deputies. So, we were incredibly fortunate to benefit from the wisdom of deeply experienced members like Ryan Kusumoto (lay) and Paul Lillie (clergy), who broke down the complexities of the convention process, ensuring our team was as prepared as possible before traveling to Baltimore.

That preparation was not only key to our team’s ability to write and submit a resolution in support of Queen Lili’uokalani’s inclusion in Lesser Feasts and Fasts (see resolution D025) but also integral to managing the unforeseen challenges that Covid-19 presented on the ground during convention week 2022, as lay deputies 1 and 2, myself and Ryan, contracted Covid, and were subsequently quarantined to our hotel rooms. Paul graciously stepped into my role as chair on the floor, while Faye Hee and Mary Carpenter, the last lay standing, held space with grace and stamina. READ FULL REPORT

The Ven. Steve Costa (Posted 10/13/22)

Our co-chairs of Deputation discerned that we should meet once a month to review and discuss key issues facing the church today and how we, as the church, would address them. So we were tasked with picking certain key issues in the Blue Binders, reading up on them, and sharing them with the entire Deputation. While this did allow us to be akamai (wise/smart) about pertinent issues facing us at GC, for me, it was more about building and living Beloved Community. As we engaged with each other, as we shared in prayerful meditation, our community of servants grew stronger and closer. By my actions, teach my mind (Maka hana ka ʻike), is an ancient Hawaiian proverb. Some of us bemoaned the process of reading and making annotations so we could report back to the Deputation at our monthly meetings, but soon it became evident that our opening prayer and our presence was drawing us closer together, that the mystical presence of the Holy Spirit (ʻUhane Hemolele) was at work, despite the messiness of our human condition.

I should honor ke Akua (God) with blessings in all circumstances. A few days before we were to leave for Baltimore, my doctor (ke Kauka) called me in for a conversation. He shared with me, once again, that I had been diagnosed with bladder cancer, so the many COVID-19 protcols the GC put in place were a real blessing to me.

Day 1 of the GC, the first of our deputies tested positive for COVID. Where was Jesus (Iesu) in this circumstance? How did I need to know Christ today? Did I need him to be a wonderful and wise counselor, to guide my very precarious steps here at GC and every other context of life? Or did I need him to be mighty, a source of strength and healing in my life? Then another text from a spouse of one of our group tested positive for COVID, but the deputy tested negative. GCʻs protocols said as close contact you isolate. Then the next day, another of our deputies tested positive. At this point, I sure needed Christ (Cristo) to be the Prince of Peace, to bring peace to my troubled heart (puuwai or naʻauao). How were we going to pivot and adjust to this trying circumstance? Well the good news is that Jesus Christ is just what I/we need and so much more. READ MORE

Ryan Kusumoto (Posted 10/28/22)

(Ryan posted the following on social media on July 15, 2022. It was written from his hotel room, after contracting COVID and being isolated for the duration of the Convention.)

Today was the first day I left my hotel room in about a week. My last vision before COVID, was a city filled with my Episcopal peeps. So, it was quite a difference when I finally got out today. Again, I am just sorry I was not able to say goodbye to everyone. As I reflected on my #gc80 experience (in between my busy naps and long walks to the bathroom) here are some of my reflections:

The Church is still here. There is a lot of hope even in a shortened convention: new leadership, historical shifts and statements, powerful truth telling, and a future-focused view.
We can rethink how to be relevant quickly. Sometimes we just need a push. We had about 80 resolutions less than the previous general convention and only 60% of the time. Yet we got done early.
My room was dark every day - mainly because my eyes were closed. Sunlight is amazing. Find ways to open the blinds.
Coffee - oh how I missed you.
COVID sucks, but I am not complaining. I recognize that I get to fly home tomorrow which is a gift.
Try living without access to credit, healthcare, and transportation. This world continues to benefit those that have it. I had access to all, but I kept pushing to see how far I could get without them - which is not that far. In fact, this year - do a poverty simulation in your area. I promise it will change your perspective. If you are ever in Hawai‘i, I am happy to have you come to my organization and experience it.

7. If you don't have the above, relationships are the most important currency you could have. Our churches could be the best model for that relationship building in this world.
8.  We need to hear more stories! My daughter asked me one day why stories are so important. My response to her was, "stories help us connect. When we connect more, we care more. When we care more, we understand. When we understand, we heal. When we heal, we can make sure those things never happen again." Our stories cannot be buried.
9.  Our Indigenous ‘Ohana have an unbroken link to culture and land that is the blueprint for our success as humans. Everything and every person are treated like family. Nana I ke kumu - "look to the source". The answers are there.
10. Baltimore - thank you for hosting us. The Church owes you another visit at some point.
11. Bishop Curry's, "The Way of Love" is the key. Reach out to someone today. A simple call or text that says, "I am thinking of you" can make all the difference (or it could change their world).

Thank you all for checking in and sending prayers. Since I understand I am the last nonresident deputy still here, I am closing this place down tonight - which just means I am going to bed early so I can catch my flight tomorrow. I pray that everyone is well. Continue to choose grace, kindness, and love every time, and amazing things will happen. Blessings to all.

The Rev. Paul Lillie (Posted 11/10/22)

This past summer I was privileged to serve as a General Convention deputy of our Diocese for the fourth time. Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, this was a convention unlike any other, shortened due to COVID precautions with work beginning months in advance online at the committee level. As some time has allowed for reflection, I now believe that the pandemic required the Episcopal Church to make positive changes regarding governance.

As General Convention was to be only four days in-person, legislative committees were required to complete their work prior to our gathering in Baltimore. This meant that for many months committees did their work online via Zoom. Even though Zoom is impersonal at times, having the committees meet online allowed greater access for the wider church. If one wanted to attend hearings for resolutions, one could sign up to testify due to the wonders of modern technology. In the past, one needed enough financial resources to travel to General Convention, requiring taking time off from work. I noticed that because hearings were online, more young people seemed present for the business of the church. Testifying or attending a hearing was not mostly older retired folks who had the means and time to travel.

Having a four-day convention also meant that our business had to be streamlined. Having been to convention before, I admit that I appreciated the business procedures that were adopted, including the rules for the consent calendar. Unlike past conventions, less time was wasted on the floor by deputies who lacked wide traction among the entire house, grandstanding at the podiums. Legislation was passed efficiently, and for that I am grateful. READ MORE

The Rev. Jenn Latham (Posted 11/24/22)

GC 80 was my first in person experience with General Convention. As an alternate, I sat at the back of the delegate floor and observed for the first two days. I am one of the co-leaders of our diocesan Creation Care and Environmental Justice Task Force, so I was especially interested in what resolutions were coming through that committee to be voted on by the deputies and bishops. When I saw the primary resolution that had been put forward, I was inspired. Why? Both houses confirmed Resolution A087, the commitment to a goal of net carbon neutrality by 2030.

Earlier in the year I had heard a speaker at UH Mānoa (Leah Stokes; click HERE to view the YouTube video) who had told the audience that while Hawai`iʻs commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2045 was good, it needed to happen faster. The energy policy expertʻs main point was that there was no time to lose because even if we are able to reduce everyoneʻs carbon footprint to zero in the next few years, we will still have global warming that will dramatically and negatively affect millions of people across the world. After listening to her talk, I had an aha moment, “We, as a church, need to try to help move the commitment to net zero as soon as possible.” Learning that The Episcopal Church had committed itself to this by 2030 was both affirming and motivating.

Can we, as a diocese also commit to this goal? I believe we are well positioned to do so. Some of our churches are already using renewable solar energy, and the current incentives could make it possible for all of our churches to shift to solar energy within the next few years. At our recent Education Day we had a workshop led by Hawai`i Interfaith Power and Light (https://www.hipl.org), who brought us local experts in energy conservation and solar power. If your church (or home) has not had a visit from Hawai`i Energy (https://hawaiienergy.com), this is a great place to start to find ways to reduce your energy consumption. After you are sure you are being as efficient as you can be, approaching a solar company to do an assessment is the next step. They will determine how much energy you need and design a solar system that will supply you with that need. There are different options for funding this project, some which require no financial output from the congregation. A few other ways to help offset the carbon that you do produce are: planting native trees that can sequester carbon, buying carbon offsets, volunteering to help an organization that is restoring native species and eradicating invasive species.

The Creation Care and Environmental Justice Task Force is happy to help you! Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] for more information.

Faye Hee (Posted 12/08/22)

Thank you for electing me to serve as a Delegate for this past 80th General Convention. The experience was overwhelming and awe-inspiring. I learned that your “V-Binder” (or virtual binder) is your new best friend as you intently follow and vote on proposed resolutions that will affect The Episcopal Church.

My experience differs greatly from those who went before me. Covid protocols shortened the convention, there was no youth presence, and ECW was not there. We were encouraged to stay together with our own delegation only and have minimal contact with delegates from other states. Luckily, our Hawai'i delegation got along very well and we wanted to spend as much time together as possible!

I was honored to serve as a member of the Privilege & Courtesy Committee. We met on Zoom to draft and finalize resolutions that would be read on the floor for approval and adoption. We finally met in person, for only a few minutes, after months and months of meeting online.

Our Hawai’i delegation was proud to share our love for our beloved Queen Lili‘uokalani. I spoke to many delegates from other states who strongly voiced their support for, and looked forward to, our Queen’s addition into the calendar of Lesser Feasts and Fasts. READ MORE

The Rev. John Hau'oli Tomoso (Posted 12/20/22)

“Richard Hooker (Commemorated on November 3) described the corporate prayer of Christians as having a spiritual significance far greater than the sum of the individual prayers of the individual members of the body. Through corporate prayer, he said, Christians participate in communion with Christ himself, 'joined … to that visible, mystical body which is his Church.' Hooker did not have in mind just the Eucharist, which might have taken place only quarterly or, at best, monthly in his day. He had very much in mind the assembly of faithful Christians gathered for the Daily Office.”
- Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, on Reflecting on a Theology of Worship, March 31,2020

As a Deputy to the 80th General Convention in Baltimore this past July, the daily worship of the House of Deputies did, indeed, have a spiritual significance greater than the sum of the individual prayers offered. We were, every day, before attending to the governance affairs of the Episcopal Church, a visible representation of the “mystical body” of Christ’s Church, a people of belief, of love, of faith, of prayer. I think it is spiritually moving and enriching, when, before making an important decision, one pauses to pray. As a Deputy, I was very emotionally moved by the corporate (liturgical) prayer of thousands just like me, lifting up their very beings and then ascending together to God on high. In no small way, we were joined, as a visible yet mystical body to God, through Christ, and we did our job right here on earth!

The Rev. Malcolm Keleawe Hee (Posted 01/12/23)

This was my second time attending a General Convention. My first was in Austin, Texas (2018) and recently in Baltimore, Maryland (2022). Having experienced it once before I had some familiarity on what to expect although many changes were made due to the pandemic. The business was streamlined, and we accomplished much in a short amount of time. Perhaps this will be the new norm for future conventions. What was important for me was how our Hawaii deputation got together for breakfast to start the day. This bonded us even more than we already are. If you are thinking of running as a deputy for the General Convention in the future, I highly recommend it!