To all Hawaii Pacific Baptists,
Reflecting on the 78-year history of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention, we recognize that God established our network on a firm foundation of ethnic diversity. We are distraught and saddened by the recent events gripping our nation, ignited by the inexcusable deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Aubrey, and other victims of discrimination. In the history of Hawai`i and the Pacific, we have experienced similar instances of unjust discrimination. We resolve to condemn any form of racism or prejudice.
God’s love and mercy extend to the world through Christ. Scripture teaches us that in Christ, we no longer know anyone from a worldly perspective. As ambassadors of God’s message of redemption with humanity, we appeal to all for reconciliation to God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). Any form of racism or injustice denies our role as God’s ambassadors, and the rebirth of our lives in Christ, knowing that those actions are not compatible with God’s nature.
Together, we renew our dedication to prioritizing our lives to God through the mourning of injustice, the repentance of ungodliness, and the obligation to living in Christ’s love toward all. Our prayer is for us, as God’s people, to rise in active humility and repentance, to lead forward with courage in godliness, and to firmly stand for righteousness and holiness in our world.
Aloha in Christ,
Dr. Steven Irvin, President, Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention
Ron Shiira, President, Hawaii Baptist Academy
Arnold Goto, President, Hawaii Baptist Foundation
Christopher Martin, Executive Director/Treasurer, Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention