Press Release: Day of Prayer for Hawaiian Restoration

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Contact: Rev. Dr. Kaleo Patterson
Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center
Cell: (808) 330-3769

APRIL 30 - DAY OF PRAYER FOR HAWAIIAN RESTORATION

Native Hawaiians and churches commemorate President Cleveland's 1894 call for prayer to recognize illegal overthrow of Queen Liliu'okalani

HONOLULU - On April 30, 2006, a Day of Prayer for Hawaiian Restoration will be observed in churches, temples, heiau, and homes throughout the United States. Organized by the Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center, the United Churches of Christ, and others, this event will focus on justice and reconciliation for Na Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and all people of Hawaii and the United States of America.

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In a February 1894 letter to the New York Sun, President Grover Cleveland selected April 30, 1894 as a national day of prayer to recognize the United State's role in the illegal overthrow of Hawaii's monarch Queen Lili´uokalani. "Let my people humble themselves and repent for their injustice to my great and good sister Queen Lili´uokalani, and pray without distinction for color, for her speedy return to the throne," wrote Cleveland. President Cleveland's call for prayer has become the inspiration for April 30th, 2006 - A National Day of Prayer for Hawaiian Restoration.

"Prayer has a way of healing, bringing people together, and strengthening resolve. There are many, in Hawaii and throughout the United States, who are firmly committed to a vision of justice and mercy for Native Hawaiians, and this day of prayer is to keep that hope alive," said Rev. Dr. Kaleo Patterson, President of the Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center (more)

Dr. Ha´aheo Guanson, a professor of the University of Hawaii's Matsunaga Institute for Peace added, "Prayer is also a force more powerful than the culture of violence in the world, so this day is about overcoming the historical violence and trauma that has plagued the people of Hawaii".

Organizers of the event consider the day of prayer as a time of reflection, hope, and spiritual renewal. Religious and community organizations, leaders, families and children are being encouraged to pray individually or with others for Hawaiian Restoration this Sunday, April 30th.

Rev. Dr. John Thomas, President of the United Churches of Christ states: "I am honored and pleased to be included in the list of persons sharing in the April 30th - Hawaiian Restoration Day of Prayer."

On April 21, 2006, a delegation of Na Kanaka Maoli traveled to New Jersey in preparation for the upcoming day of prayer.

They honored President Grover Cleveland by visiting his birthplace and gravesite in Caldwell, NJ. The delegation attended worship services at the First Presbyterian Church of Caldwell where he was baptized. Another delegation of Native Hawaiians including Leon Siu, artist and Executive Director of Aloha Ke Akua Ministries, will also attend services in Caldwell this Sunday, April 30 to commemorate the national Day of Prayer for Hawaiian Restoration at Cleveland's birthplace.

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For more information see: HawaiianRestoration.com

Posted: Fri - April 28, 2006 at 10:14 AM

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Press Release: Day of Prayer for Hawaiian Restoration

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