ISLAND VOICES
Kahu Patterson right choice
By Ho'oipokalaena'auao Nakea Pa, Kanani Nihipali and Puuhonua "Bumpy" Kanahele
Kahu Kaleo Patterson's nomination as minister at Kawaiaha'o Church is a move forward in a "genuine reconciliation" between Native Hawaiians and the United Church of Christ.
Kahu Patterson's experiences and grassroots leadership would promote the uniting of the church with the maka'ainana again, many of whose families have abandoned the pews for several generations. It would strengthen the foundations of spirituality that are increasingly necessary today to bring a sense of lokahi between factions that have existed among the more "elite" Hawaiians and those who left the church after the betrayal of Queen Lili'uokalani and its complicity in her overthrow in 1893.
The potential for healing is real given the possibilities with Kahu Patterson, his reconciliation work in the community, and his efforts in bringing about the church apology to Native Hawaiians. Rev. Paul Sherry's words on Jan. 17, 1993, come to mind:
"I apologize for the support given (for the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy) by ancestors of ours in the church now known as the United Church of Christ. We do so in order to begin a process of repentance, redress and reconciliation for wrongs done. We are here not to condemn, but to acknowledge. We are here to remember and ask forgiveness."
Some of these men and women, however, sometimes confused the ways of the West with the ways of Christ. Assumptions of cultural and racial superiority and alien economic understanding led some of them and those who followed them to discount or undervalue the strengths of the mature society they encountered. Therefore, the rich, indigenous values of na kanaka maoli, their language, their spirituality and their regard for the land were denigrated. The resulting social, political and economic implications of these harmful attitudes contributed to the suffering of na kanaka maoli in that time and into the present. Justice will be pursued and reconciliation achieved as, together, we recognize both the strengths and the weaknesses of those who preceded us, as we celebrate that which is good, and as we make right that which is wrong.
Our spirits are high, we are hopeful, motivated by the vision of Kahu Kaleo Patterson at Kawaiaha'o's pulpit. We believe he will help in the move toward justice, a Hawaiian minister steeped in the knowledge of his history and understanding of the wounds suffered by his people as a result of the overthrow. This work on reconciliation has begun the process of the much-needed healing from the oppressive structures that need to be reconstructed, a key step in the pursuit of meaningful reconciliation. This will be the impetus for our unity.
Kahu Patterson has worked not only within and for the Hawaiian community, but his pursuits have involved important ministries with the homeless and houseless communities, environmental issues and economic justice organizing.
Kahu Kaleo has always been willing to kokua even though we were not members of the churches he has served. He is a true example of what a Hawaiian kahu means to us.
Many of us want to remain optimistic that Kahu Patterson will be appointed, and believe it would be important not only because he is highly qualified for the position and will bring honor and energy to the tasks ahead, but also as an expression of reconciliation between Native Hawaiians and the church.
In many respects he is already the kahu of the Hawaiian community, and we know of no other Hawaiian kahu who could bring the community together as he can. There is much support for Kahu Kaleo Patterson in the Hawaiian community, and he will serve the church and the community unselfishly with his graceful and gentle style.
