Churches march in Honolulu Pride Parade

Hawai‘i Conference

1 day ago

3 min read

A record number of Hawai‘i Conference UCC churches participated in one united contingent for this year's Honolulu Pride Parade on October 17, 2026. While much of the U.S. observes Pride in June to celebrate individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexual, Asexual), Honolulu celebrates Pride in October which is also LGBT History Month.

Over 60 individuals from eight churches in Honolulu (seven UCC congregations) showed up to loudly and proudly proclaim God's love for all. Represented were Central Union Church, Church of the Crossroads (ONA), Community Church of Honolulu (ONA), Giving Circle Church (ONA), Kaumakapili Church, Lutheran Church of Honolulu, Nu‘uanu Congregational Church, and United Church of Christ Judd Street.

"ONA" (Open and Affirming) is the United Church of Christ's official designation for churches that have affirmed a public covenant that “lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT)” (or people of all “sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions”) are welcome in the full life and ministry of the congregation (e.g. membership, leadership, employment).

The contingent was initiated by William Cunningham of United Church of Christ Judd Street. He arranged for a shared trolley among the churches which was crucial in making the parade accessible to more of our churches. He shares, "Last year there were only 4 of us who marched in the Pride Parade from UCC Judd Street. I noticed that most other churches had less than 10 also. After seeing the positive response from the onlookers last year I thought it would be more impressive if some of the churches united to create one singularly loud voice of love and inclusivity. Luckily the other churches were of the same mindset and hence this year we all marched together. Instead of marching with only 4, I got to share fellowship with 50 plus other like-minded individuals who stand behind the beliefs of the United Church of Christ. The response from the crowd was overwhelmingly positive and moving. I could not have been more proud of my church that day and the feeling that Christ was with us all was undeniable. Therefore, I am putting out a call to other UCC churches to join us next year and show everyone what we believe... that GOD loves you unconditionally just the way He made you. No if, and, or but!" William invites you to contact him (wmcm808@gmail.com) for next year's Pride Parade if you feel moved to take a stand against hate and injustice.

Liz Nelson again participated with Church of the Crossroads, one of our longtime Open-and-Affirming congregations. She shares, "My experience this year was so amazing. I rode in a vehicle, so my perspective was different. But I was touched by watching people with their family, partners, standing, waving, shaka-ing, looking so relaxed, comfortable, so accepted, no judgements. And I thought many times—what a world we could have if this could be our experience all the time. Prayers for this."

Kristen Young, on staff with Central Union Church and the Hawai‘i Conference office and also a member of UCC Judd Street, shares, "While our sacred scriptures have often been misinterpreted and misused to condemn people for their sexual orientation or gender identity, while too many churches have made people ashamed for being who God created them to be, we want to—we must—be loud and proud about God’s love for ALL. I believe Christians have done much harm by incorrectly labeling certain ways of being as sin, so our presence as churches is meaningful and affirms that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer individuals are made in the image of God and are beloved by our Creator."

Kahu Heather Barfield of Kaumakapili Church said, "Today we celebrate Pride—a celebration of love, courage, authenticity, and the beautiful diversity of our community. There is room for all of us here. All identities. All families. All journeys. All ways of loving and being loved. May we continue to choose aloha over fear, welcome over exclusion, and community over division. Happy Pride, Hawaiʻi! You are seen. You are valued. You are loved. And you belong!"