West Oahu group forms new Unitarian branch

The Unitarian Universalist Leeward Ohana Group will be launched as a new branch of the Unitarian Universalist church on Sept. 13 at Island Pacific Academy in Kapolei.

The Rev. Jonipher Kupono Kwong, minister at the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu (FUCH) in Nuuanu, will deliver the sermon "Come, Come, Whoever You Are" at the 5 p.m. opening service. It will be based on the third of seven guiding Unitarian Universalist principles: "Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations," according to news release.

"For centuries, church has been perceived as an institution that gets to decide who’s in and who’s out," Kwong said. "We Unitarian Universalists happen to believe the church is made up of people who are on a spiritual journey together and everyone is welcome — no matter what your gender, sexual orientation, ability, religious belief, or skin color. We are bringing this message of hope to the Leeward side because this is a booming area of Oahu. We are going where the people are — not waiting around on our blessed assurance for people to come through our doors."

Music will be provided by FUCH’s pianist Dennis Graue and the Kapolei Chorale, directed by Doris Dudley. A potluck will follow the service.

The new church took shape in September 2012 with a group of six to 10 Unitarians in Leeward Oahu meeting monthly in private homes. In March this year, about 20 to 25 members started gathering for regular services, 5 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month, at Island Pacific Academy, 909 Haumea St.

Until it establishes itself in West Oahu, the Leeward ohana will share the resources of the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, including its website, www.unitariansofhi.org. First Unitarian is a progressive, non-dogmatic, non-creedal church "with an obligation to be the social conscience in the community," the release said.

"We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person," Kwong said. "Our principles are particularly interested in seeking the last, the least and the lost in society. We don’t think anyone should be left behind."