Born and raised in Hawaii, our Kahu M. J. Kimo Keawe is the younger of two children and is of Hawaiian ancestry. In the lineage of Hawaiian royalty, he is a descendant of the Ali'i Keawe of the island of Hawaii, Kiha, and 'Umi, Liloa, and Keawenuiaumi of Waipio Valley.
Raised and educated in the Roman Catholic tradition, he entered St. Stephen's Seminary in Kaneohe, Hawaii , at the early age of 13. In 1970, the seminary closed. This was the first of three setbacks in his journey in the priesthood vocation.
His Journey with the Lord Continues . . .
He completed his secondary education at Damien Memorial High School, graduating on May 28, 1972. He pursued his call to the priesthood and attended Lewis University in Lockport, Illinois, under the tutelage of the Irish Christian Brothers Postulancy and Chaminade University, in the Novitiate Formation. Unhappy with the lack of support for his vocation to the priesthood from the Roman Church and the statement from Bishop Blanchette of Joliet: ". . . as a minority (Hawaiian ancestry), you will never succeed as a priest . . ." he left Lockport, Illinois, and ventured back to Hawaii.
This was the second setback in his vocational calling to the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church.
During his journey across the continental United States, he discovered the ministry of the Rev. Charles Finn (currently, the presiding bishop of the Liberal Catholic Church International) and Irving Tarbox (in his late 90s and retired). Fascinated with the work of the orphanage in Chula Vista, California, and Baja, Mexico, he made his decision to serve as a minister for the Church of Gospel Ministry. Shortly thereafter, on April 29, 1977, he was ordained a priest with the Church. That was the beginning of his work for the Lord.
For 24 years, he has ministered in Hawaii under the Christian Life Ministry of Hawaii-Church of Gospel Ministry Church Charter. On August 14, 1986, the Ministry of Salvation Church bestowed an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree (D.D.) upon him for his continuing work in the Ministry of the Lord. In the years to follow, he completed his studies with the Saint Luke Evangelical School of Biblical Studies and was awarded the Master of Arts in the Academic Discipline of Theology (M.Th) and presented with the Medal of Saint Luke the Physician in the Epsilon Kappa Lambda. This Medal of Award is based on his successful completion of the prescribed course of study and graduation from the Saint Luke Evangelical School of Biblical Studies.
While ministering in Hawaii, he continued to worship with his family at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church in Kailua, Hawaii. On July 8, 1989, he joined in Holy Matrimony with Janna K.M. Akana, and 2 years later, on September 16, 1991, they were blessed with their daughter, Tiffany-Michelle Winona Uli'i Keawe.
During the latter part of 1995, he co-authored the first "Exchange City" Resolution, between the City Council and the Mayor's Office of the City and County of Honolulu and the township of Laughlin, Nevada. In the months to come, our Kahu served as the "Ambassador of Aloha" on behalf of the Mayor of Honolulu and the 900,000 residences. He presented the Key of the City and County of Honolulu to Laughlin, Nevada. In return, the township of Laughlin presented him with the Key to their Township. He presented the Laughlin Key to the City and County of Honolulu in a presentation at Honolulu Hale - City Hall.
In the early months of 2000, Fr. Dennis and Deacon Clarence (St. Anthony's Church) asked him to consider the permanent Diaconate formation. After serious consideration, he accepted. He went through months of paperwork, referrals, etc. However, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Francis X. DiLorenzo, informed him that the diocese had deferred the program for an unknown length of time because of finances.
This was the last setback in his vocation with the Roman Catholic Church.
Our Kahu continued to minister to the small following of 24 years. Back in the late 80s, after 50 years as a church, the original church, Church of Gospel Ministry, disbanded and reorganized as the First Church of Gospel Ministry. Some of its original ministers then disbanded their own ministry. He chooses not to, but to continue. In addition, he earned the Degree of Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) from the Sanctus Theological Institute, accredited by the American Theological Society. In the meantime, over time, he had developed an open line of communication with the Most Reverend David Holmes-Smith, of the Order of Culdee, of the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church and the Primate Archbishop of the United Catholic Church, Most Reverend Dr. Robert M. Bowman.
After serious consideration of his ministry of 24 years and all submitted educational, ordination, and award documentations, Archbishop Bowman accepted and regularized our Kahu into the United Catholic Church - an independent Catholic Church jurisdiction, descended from the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht. In the same time, he was accepted as a candidate for Deacon in the Order of Culdee, of the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church. With prayer and encouragement of his family, Kahu accepted the United Catholic Church and maintained his friendship and fellowship with Bishop David Holmes-Smith.
In the months to follow, our Kahu was incardinated into the United Catholic Church. Following his official acceptance, he was ordained and appointed Vicar of the newly formed Hawaii Diocese of the United Catholic Church, overseeing all of Hawaii, California, Samoa, Tahiti, and the entire Polynesian Rim. He also served as the pastor of the United Reform Catholic Church of Honolulu.
In the latter part of 2001, he was appointed by Archbishop Bowman as the administrator and Bishop-Elect of the Hawaii Diocese of the United Catholic Church. Archbishop Bowman served as Bishop of the newly formed Hawaii Diocese. Our Kahu continued his ministry with the Hawaiian people and worships in communion with many members of the Christian community.
Our Kahu is employed in the secular world as executive president of Television Studio Hawaii producing cultural events and marketing media concepts. Since 1988, he has been the "Voice" and television host of the Queen Lili'uokalani Keiki Hula Competition, broadcast statewide. He has also been a preliminary judge for the Mrs. America Pageant, shown on National Television on the PAX Network and the Miss O'ahu Filipina Scholarship Pageant. He is credited with the union of alliance of Japan's Matsuri Pan Pacific Festival and the Kamehameha Celebration Commission, bringing the two festivals together in a joint celebration in Hawaii.
This union was solidified with the signing of official documents by both parties at Washington Place, the official residence of the Governor of the State of Hawaii. In 2000, he directed and coordinated the largest convention and parade in Honolulu, for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau-the International Lions Convention 2000, with more than 25,000 participants-the largest gathering for a parade in the history of Hawaii and the first Convention to draw so many participants.
He has served on the executive board of Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii. He is past-president and former board member of the Aloha Festivals and continues to support many community and educational activities, both statewide and nationwide.
Additionally, he is licensed and commissioned in the State of Hawai`i to perform marriages in the State, among his other faculties and sacramental duties afforded him as an ordained priest.
When he was worshipping with his family at St. Anthony's Parish in Kailua, where he served as a Eucharistic and homebound minister and Infant Baptism Moderator and served on the finance committee of the church, he had been advised that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu is aware of his faculties as an independent Catholic Priest. With this, he prepared himself for the possibility that the Roman Catholic Diocese may dismiss him as a parishioner and liturgical minister because of his ordination in a jurisdiction other than the Roman Catholic Church. He prayed that this will not happen and that we can carry on in mutual prayer, worship, and work together in communion, for "we are all brothers and sisters in the Lord, ministering to the people; ministering His Word". "I further understand that the Diocese may excommunicate me from the Roman Catholic Church. That I understand-but it is man that will excommunicate me from their 'human-church' - not God's Church!" (+Kimo Keawe - 2002)
Our Kahu maintains his spiritual fellowship with Bishop David Holmes-Smith, with the deepest respect for his spiritual input and dedication to the Word of the Lord, and also with Fr. Dennis Koshko pastor and Roman Catholic priest at St. Anthony's Church. Together with Bishop David and the support from members of FOCUS and bishops of other jurisdiction, they are reinstating a ministry: Hawaiian Reformed Catholic Church (HRCC)-a ministry for the Kanaka Ma'oli {the Hawaiian People and its Kingdom}-a church that was established for them in 1862 by Kamehameha IV. "E Ola Mau I Ka 'Aina 'O Hawai'i"- Forever Live the Hawaiian Lands!
The United Reform Catholic Church International (URCCI) is working in communion with the Anglican Episcopal Church (AEC) and the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church in reinstating the Hawaiian Reformed Catholic Church (HRCC) for the people of Hawai'i. The foundation of this ministry is to resurrect the HRCC to its entire status and recognition, as recognized by its founder, King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho) and continued through our last monarchy of Hawaii, Queen Lydia Lili'uokalani.
Continuing to broaden his education and knowledge of his ministry and following years of studying, the Sanctus Theological Institute, awarded him in September 2001 with a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Pastoral Studies (D.Min.)
Our Kahu was consecrated the 1st Bishop of the Hawai'i Diocese of the United Catholic Church and the mission territories of Samoa, Tahiti and the Polynesian Pacific Rim, in 2001. The consecration was held at Christ the Servant Apostolic Catholic Church. The principal consecrator was the Archbishop and Presiding Bishop of the United Catholic Church, the Most Rev. Dr. Robert M. Bowman. The Co-consecrators were: The Most Rev. Chuck Leigh, Pastor, Christ the Servant Apostolic Catholic Church. He is the Bishop of the Apostolic Catholic Church, Diocese of Florida and Dean of the College of Judicatory Leaders of the Florida Council of Churches. The Most Rev. John Reeves, Diocese of St. Peter the Apostle, Bishop of the Catholic Church of Americas, the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Also concelebrating at this momentous occasion and High Mass were Deacons, David Flaherty, Joe Bowman, and Art Funk. In addition, Msgr. Bill Mentor and Bishop-elect David Gillman (who was also consecrated Bishop the same day).
Although his orders of ordination as a priest and the Apostolic Succession consecration as bishop are considered illicit (not permitted) by the Roman Catholic Church, they are valid, verified, and recognized by the Holy See - Vatican.
On January 27, 2002, our kahu ordained his first priest, the Rev. Bill Christen to the Holy Orders of the Priesthood. In addition, he has concelebrated with Bishop Sharon Hart, Matriarch of the Contemporary Catholic Church, in the ordination of Fr. Bill's wife, Mary, to the priesthood. Our bishop has also concelebrated in the ordination of Ed D'Ettore to the priesthood of the National Catholic Church, with Bishop William Wettingfeld, presiding bishop; the consecration of Bishop Mark Newman, OC, to the episcopacy of the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch with their matriarch, Meri Louise Spruit and Archbishop Richard A. Gundrey.
Our bishop attended the United Catholic Church Synod 2002, which has hosted by the Hawai'i Diocese. In addition, he attended the Ecumenical Conference of Independent Catholic Bishops (ECICB), both held at the Spirit in the Desert Lutheran Center. At the ECICB, our bishop was elected President/Chair of the Executive Council of the ECICB. Matriarch Sharon A. Hart, presiding bishop and primate of the Contemporary Catholic Church, as Vice President/Vice Chair and Secretary and Archbishop Richard A. Gundrey, Coadjutor of the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch, as its Treasurer.
Other members of the Executive Council of the ECICB are: Bishop Wm. Memo Grassman, presiding bishop of the Orthodox Catholic Church; Bishop William A. Wettingfeld, presiding bishop of the National Catholic Church of North America and Bishop Mark E. Newman, of the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch - Arizona Diocese.
Effective, August 1, 2002, our bishop has appointed as vicar general of the United Reform Catholic Church International, the Very Rev. Dr. Bill Christen, of Chandler, AZ. With this expansion, the Church will be renamed: United Reform Catholic Church International (URCCI), to encompass the growing number of churches, nationally and soon, internationally - With this change and growth, the URCCI will be independent of the United Catholic Church, and will not be governed by their Code of Canons, or under the authority of their respected archbishop primate, Dr. Robert M. Bowman.
A Structuring Synod has been finalized and planned for March 2003 for the United Reform Catholic Church International. This Synod will formulate the Articles of Faith; ratifying the Code of Canon, the introduction of the College of Bishops and its governing body; Mission Statement; liturgy and other jurisdictional function of the URCCI.
In addition, an Acceptance of Incardination Mass will be celebrated, welcoming into the URCCI: Rev. Fr. Marc Angelo - Pahoa, HI (Former Roman Catholic priest); Rev. Dr. Mary Christen - Chandler, AZ (transitioning from the Contemporary Catholic Church); Rev. Dr. Jeffery Gallen - Goodyear, AZ (from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America - Grand Canyon Synod) and Rev. Ronald Moore - Bryant, AR (transitioning from St. Luke Evangelical jurisdiction).
The forming clergy of the URCCI were: Bp. Kimo Keawe, presiding bishop; Very Rev. Dr. Bill Christen, Vicar General / Dean of Academic Studies; Fr. Larry Crinnin, Vocation and Formation Director; Fr. David Flaherty, Pastoral Administrator; Fr. Marc Angelo (in transition); Rev. Dr. Mary Christen (in transition); Fr. Dr. Jeffery Gallen (in transition) and Rev. Ronald Moore (in transition). URCCI College of Bishops: Bp. Dr. Sharon A. Hart, (Chair) - Contemporary Catholic Church; Bp. Ron Langham (Vice Chair) - Ecumenical Catholic Church of Australia and Bp. Jack Isbell - Old Catholic Diocese of Napa.
We have official Intercommunion Agreements with: The Contemporary Catholic Church - Matriarch ++Sharon Hart; The Open Episcopal Church of Great Britain - Bishop +Richard Palmer and the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Australia - Bishop +Ron Langham and the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch~Malabar Rite - Archbishop and Presiding Bishop, +++Richard Gundrey
The National Catholic Church of North America, under the auspices of the Most Reverend Dr. William Wettingfeld, has begun formal communications towards unity among the two jurisdiction(s).
As of May 31, 2005 at a Synod being held in Hawai`i, the URCCI has merged with the Churches in Australia and the United Kingdom, to formally be re-named: United Ecumenical Catholic Church (UECC). Our Kahu has been appointed and elected the first Presiding Bishop of the UECC. He is also the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Metropolitan Area of North American and its Associated Territories.
As of January 2005, the clergy of the UECC are: Bp. Kimo Keawe, UECC Presiding Bishop & Metropolitan Archbishop; Rt. Rev. Brother Jack Isbell, O.F.C., (Hawaii) Auxiliary Bishop; Fr. Nick Eyre, C.S.F. (Hawaii); Fr. David Flaherty (Maryland); Fr. Marc Angelo (Hawaii); Fr. Anthony Capretta (Ohio); Fr. Steve Baker (Texas) ; Fr. Carlos Rivera (Texas); Rev. Ronald Moore (Arkansas); Deacon Alan Lessard and Deacon Meredith Moise (Maryland); Brother Michael Laven, O.F.C. (Maryland) and Fr. Benjamin, O.S.B. (Hawaii).
The Counsel of Bishops for the Metropolitan Area of North America and its Associated Territories, consist of bishops, who represent their own jurisdiction: Bp. Mark Newman (Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch~Malabar Rite); Bp. William Wettingfeld (National Catholic Church of North America); Bp. Rusty Clyma(The New Church~Inclusive Anglican Reform, Province of the Pacific - California) and from the UECC: Bp. Ron Langham; Bp. Terry Fynn and Bp. Brother Jack Isbell.
After working on establishing the UECC with Archbishop's Langham and Flynn from 2005-06, a decision was accepted that as of July 1, 2006, Archbishop Keawe and the USA missions will have returned to their roots with the United Reform Catholic Church International.
There continues to be a unity among jurisdictions with the United Ecumenical Catholic Church of Australia and the UK. Together and collectively, we are all united in Christ.
In addition, an intercommunion agreement has been established with the Reformed Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church of the USA, Brazil, Africa, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and Central America, between Archbishop Keawe and the Most Rev. Dr. Karl Raimund Rodig, Primate of the Reformed Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church.
We, the community, will support and move in the direction that the Holy Spirit guides our Kahu to guide us - as he has for the past 30+-years!
Education
- St. Ann's Elementary School
- St. Stephen's Seminary
- Damien Memorial High School
- Lewis University-Postulancy Formation
- Chaminade University-Novitiate Formation
- St. Luke Evangelical School of Biblical Studies
- St. Regis University
- Sanctus Theological Institute-Mesa, Arizona (Honorary Award)
