Rev. Bond-Upson is a vibrant and deeply welcoming presence in our church. A lifelong Unitarian Universalist and longtime member of the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, she brings with her a dedicated commitment to a shared ministry, where all members are encouraged to bring their unique gifts and presence to the community. A civil rights and peace activist since her youth, she ministers from a Unitarian Universalist legacy of showing up for justice and from a faith that calls us to put love into action. She is honored to serve our congregation as the halftime minister for one year.
Earning her Master of Divinity at Starr King School for the Ministry, Rev. Deborah completed internships in Palo Alto, CA, and Morristown, NJ, as well as Clinical Pastoral Education at St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco. She served on the Starr King Board for two terms. Throughout college and seminary, she taught in schools and worked in education.
After completing her ministry training, she spent decades leveraging those skills and insights to lead organizations that support schools and learning transformation. She sees learning innovation and school support as essential to advancing equity, preparing students and families for the future, and honoring the inherent worth and gifts of every student. She is a founding board member and current president of Parents for Public Schools of Hawai‘i and interim director of HE’E (Hui for Excellence in Education).
Alongside her work in education, Rev. Deborah has continued in ministry – officiating at weddings, working with families to develop memorials, and leading Sunday services in congregations near and far. She has provided support to our church throughout the years, including the art gallery, digital skills, anti-racism training, and serving on the Social Justice Council. She was ordained by our church in 2011.
Rev. Deborah ministers to our church, moved by the current extreme dangers of eroding core values, political polarization, societal extremism that fuels division, targeted threats to the vulnerable, and threats to our democratic ideals. She believes commitment, awareness, strength, and numbers are needed to deliver critical support for the safety and dignity of all people in these urgent times. She considers our First Unitarian Church of Honolulu’s commitment to community and our ability to relate to each other with love and respect despite our differences can wield a powerful, positive effect on our larger community, while bringing joy and satisfaction within our own church, families, and selves.
Rev. Deborah’s life is also deeply rooted in family and community. She is the mother of four adult children and grandmother of precious Aurora. Her husband, Rev. Leland Bond-Upson, is retired. She served as a foster mother, bringing experiences that continue to shape her compassion, her theology, and her understanding of real-life joys and struggles.
When not in the pulpit or working for justice in the community, you might find Rev Deborah cooking and baking, sculpting and painting, swimming in the ocean, feeding the peacock, “Oberon” (who has adopted her), or just being amazed and happy to be living in this blessed place. Rev. Deborah would love to get to know you—whether in person, on Zoom, by phone, or by email. Email her at minister@unitariansofhi.org to set up a time to meet. Or find her at the church mostSundays, usually from 9 am to noon; on Tuesdays, from 10 am to 2 pm; or on Wednesdays, from 2 pm to 6 pm.
