Rev. Jazzy Bostock on Hula & Prayer: Practicing Christianity as an Indigenous Hawaiian

On a recent trip to Hawaii, Pastor Kelsey encountered so much beauty in learning about Hawaii's history and the practices of Indigenous Hawaiians, but also the heartbreak of the impact colonialism has on the islands. Upon the recommendation of several colleagues, Kelsey reached out to Rev. Jazzy Bostock, a kanaka maoli woman who pastors two churches on Oahu.

It is our privilege to hear about the ways Rev. Jazzy interweaves her identity as a native Hawaiian and a practicing Christian. She speaks to the beauty of tradition, liturgy, hula, and the connection to God's creation. Rev. Jazzy also shares some of the social justice issues native Hawaiians are facing right now and what folks can do to learn, help, and be a part of change. At the end, she shares some wisdom for how folks who want to visit Hawaii can do so in an ethical, mindful way.

About Rev. Jazzy Bostock
Rev. Jazzy Bostock, a kanaka maoli woman, serves two small communities - St. John the Baptist, Episcopal, and Maluhia Lutheran, ELCA, both on the west side of Oahu, in Waianae. She spends her days caring for chickens, learning about bees, tending to her garden, laughing with her wife, walking her dog, and enjoying the sunshine. She and her wife, Bree, have recently become licensed foster parents, and are awaiting their first placements.