FACE goal is to put faith into action

By Mary Kaye Ritz
Advertiser Religion & Ethics Writer

Faith Action for Community Equity, founded more than six years ago, helped win a grant for renovation of Kalihi Valley Homes, a state housing project. Old and new units stand side by side in this photo taken in the summer of 2002. Advertiser library photo • Aug. 20, 2002 Informational meeting today What: A 6-year-old interfaith organization that works to put its faith into action. Members: 24 churches, temples and community groups, with 60 to 70 people on its council. On the agenda: An informational meeting at 10 a.m. today at St. John Vianney, 920 Keolu Drive, to discuss proposed state legislation to provide prescription medication at a reduced cost to the uninsured. Information: 522-1302

But sometimes Faith Action for Community Equity, an organization of 24 churches, temples and community groups, struggles with its inner faith.

At the end of last month, a Mainland speaker arrived here to give his talk on faith-based community organizing during FACE's recent leadership training retreat. The Rev. John Aeschbury referred often to his Christian beliefs, using a biblical rationale for social change.

But not all of FACE's members use the Bible and, in fact, the interfaith group prides itself on open-mindedness. How does a group stay true to that and still embrace different religions, giving its members freedom to practice their own brand of beliefs while doing good in the community?

"Honoring both is an interesting exercise," says the Rev. Mike Young, the senior minister at First Unitarian Church. "Sometimes it even produces spiritual growth."

So what did FACE do about its leadership conference? The Rev. Alan Mark, senior pastor of Kilohana United Methodist Church in Niu Valley and president of FACE, invited other speakers, including representatives of two Buddhist sects, to respond to the presentation before an audience of about 50 people.

"That put it into interfaith perspective," said Mark. "We may have different stories and symbols, but we share a common call and common task."

Young remembers the time the group had a priest give the opening reflection, which by past practice has been inspirational but nondenominational.

"When invited to do it, he did what would have been in his tradition a very nice Jesus prayer," Young said. "At the break, six people confronted him for his inappropriate behavior. They were six members of his own congregation!"

This year, Mark said, FACE is listening to its members to decide which issues to take up. In its six-plus years of existence, the group helped win a grant for renovation of Kalihi Valley Homes, has been pressing the state to use only those contractors who pay workers an acceptable wage; has been seeking ways to get prescription drugs for the uninsured; and has pushed public safety issues, such as identifying drug houses.

FACE is not a lobbying group, however. Its members get down and dirty with their grass roots — including their recent push to clean up bathrooms at schools, an idea that originated with teen members.

It takes on topics and issues "to do justice and equity and better the quality of life of people in our islands," Mark said. For example, group members at the turn of the century wanted shelters for city bus riders across the poorer areas. Yes, they brought the issue to the mayor but, instead of waiting for a public hearing, FACE secured an engineer itself.

"The idea is to work with lawmakers," Mark said. "The concept is to bring back the idea that government shouldn't be in the hands of elected officials, but be in collective. We should be part of the decision-making process."

And, too, they avoid divisive topics, including gay marriage and abortion.

"We don't take on issues that will split us up," Mark said. "Public safety, public housing — that affects us all."