Update and Appreciation for Support of SCR 215

In early April, our editorial team learned of a request for support on SCR 215 which would recognize contributions from and connections with our neighbors of Freely Associated States (Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau), many of whom are members and friends of our congregations.

An email was sent to clergy and church leaders, inviting them to show their support by signing on to a joint letter that came from a COFA community advocacy group. The following is an update and note of thanks:

"I would like to extend a sincere mahalo to UCC pastors and congregants across the State of Hawaii who signed on to a joint letter of more than fifty individuals and organizations in support of SCR 215, a resolution that recognizes the historic, cultural, and strategic connections between the peoples of Oceania, of which Hawaii and the Freely Associated States are a part. Although the resolution stalled and eventually died after successfully passing through committees in both the Senate and House of the Hawaii State Legislature, the outpouring of support from the Hawaii UCC community sent a strong message of solidarity and inclusivity. Peace be with you!"

From Keoni Williams who fellowships at Christ United Methodist Church in Makiki, O‘ahu, and grew up at Mānoa Valley Church.