RASTAFARI IN THE PRISON CONTEXT

NATIONAL RASTAFARI CHAPLAINCY

Matthew 25 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Rastafari Heritage 07510203100 / 07881745782 EMAIL ... Info@rastafariheritage.com

Website ... www.Rastafariheritage.com

CONTENTS

Introduction & Brief Background

Creating A New Spiritually & Culturally Centred Framework

Rastafari in the Prison Context and Rastafari Chaplains

Why Involve All Rastafarians

Prison Service Information (PSI)

Groundation Kit Contents

Groundation Guidance Book

Resource Pack

Rastafari Chaplains Eligibility Critera

Security CTC Checks (Counter Terrorist Checks) & Chaplaincy Training

After Prison Care / Reducing Re-offending and Resettlement in the

Community

Ethiopian Lidet/Christmas Letter 2014

PRESENTATION

1. Overview of Rastafari Prison Chaplains Training Powerpoint

2. Rastafari Heritage Groundation CD 1&2

Intrduction o & Brief Background

Rastafari Heritage is a registered company of highly experienced Rastafari

consultants, trainers, researchers & project managers who provide services to

support the Rastafari community & other organisations.

Rastafari Heritage work is to research, collect, collate, preserve, conserve,

display and teach the heritage of Rastafari.

What is Happening

In July 2012 after years of campaigning by different Rastafarians around the

UK Rastafari was given religious status and recognition in UK prisons.

Rastafari Heritage who had been working with the MOJ for 5 years to bring

about this change was appointed as the Rastafari Faith Advisers to the MOJ

(Ministry of Justice) and to all prisons in England and Wales.

Rastafari Heritage work includes:

Advising Chaplaincy HQ

Advising Prison Governors

Training Lead Chaplains

Support Prison Chaplaincy Teams

Advise Equalities

Advise Diversity

Advise Catering

Advise Security

Advise General Prison Staff

Support Rastafari Prisoners

Lead Rastafari Groundation/Worship as Chaplains

Source Rastafarians to work as sessional Chaplains

Advise & support Rastafarian Chaplains

Supply Groundation kit to prisons

Support the introduction of Rastafari Groundation in prison

Official point of contact for Rastafari faith and social issues in UK prisons

Creating stratagies to tackle reoffending

Committee & Sub-Committee members at Fairfield House

Creating A New Spiritually & Culturally Centred Framework

Our work has included

Rastafari Study Centre at Birmingham University 2008

Rastafari West Midlands Project 2008

Identified the needs of Rastafari in UK prisons

Raised the issue with the Wolverhampton MP who raised it in Parliment.

Meeting with William Noblett - Former Queens Chaplain 2009

Continue meeting and corresponding with NOMS 2009 - 2013

Visiting Prisons ... Jan 2013

Train lead Chaplains from 150 prisons ... Feb - March 2013

Write the PSI ... Starting April 2013 - Published Jan 2014

Resource Pack ... April 2013 Ongoing

Groundation Guidance Book ... 2013 Complete

Groundation CD 1&2 ... May - Nov 2013 Complete

Supply Groundation Kits into prisons ... April 2014

Contact suitable Rastafarian's to train as Rastafari Chaplains

Security CTC Checks (Counter Terrorist Checks)

Support placement of sessional Rastafari Chaplains into prisons

No unpaid work. Prison Service Sessional Chaplain rates (currently

£12.51ph) plus expenses

After Prison Support

Rastafari in the Prison Context and Rastafari Chaplains

The work is designed to reinforce the common elements that are shared by all

Rastafarians.

It does not seek to create a new mansion within the Rastafari family, but rather

to remind us all of the value of our heritage.

The work to advance the Rastafari family is our generations responsibility,

we must make significant progress in all areas neccessary before we pass on the

baton to the oncoming generation.

This work is beyond alligence to groups, mansions and organisations, it is about

saving the lives of young Rastafarians who are currently in prison, and to create

a framework through which they can learn, practice, overstand and teach

Rastafari to others in a righteous and purposeful manner.

"Organise and Centralise" is a Rastafari watch-word.

The light of Rastafari has been seen by a growing number of young black

youths and other peoples who are currently in UK prisons.

As elder Rastafarians I&I have a duty to care to address the needs of members

of the faith without judging them.

Only Rastafari people can do Rastafari work, so who will do Rastafari work?

This is I&I Question ... What is I&I Answer?

Obligations and role of a Rastafarian Chaplain

A placement to one or more local prisons

Attend and lead the weekly or forthnightly Groundation service as the

Rastafari Chaplain

Attend to their congregational & pastorial needs through reasoning and

positive guidance

Attend training courses

Why Involve All Rastafarians?

During 2008 Rastafarians in Birmingham had an opportunity to develop a

Rastafari Studies Centre at Birmingham University.

This began with a large number attending the first few meeting, the numbers

declined with time as a result of different opinions about its direction,

membership, capability & skills for the work.

As a result of the wide inclusion approach a great opportunity was eventually

lost.

Lessons were learnt, this new project has been built on the principle that if you

fail to plan, then you plan to fail, and with good planning your vision can

become reality.

This work did not require a lenghty roundtable discussion nor consultation

involving all Rastafari mansions and non-aligned members to reach a collective

decision.

This work is not reflective of just one particular aspect nor viewpoint of

Rastafari, but rather from a broad focus to refine a framework which would

be acceptable to all Rastafari members who are in prison, and also be a

introduction for new members.

The point for collective involvement to glorify Rastafari is in the way all

Rastafarians can be involved in delivering the Rastafari faith in prison.

Mystically all fingers of the hand can become a fist for positive development

without interfering with each persons individual constitution.

Religion is personal, work is for the benefit of us all.

Teaching Rastafari to the Youths in Prison

Creating self Employment

Strengthening Faith with Works

From ... National Offender Management Team

To ... Chaplaincy Teams

28/November 2013 Rastafari We hope that the long awaited information on Rastafari will enable prisons to begin meeting the religious needs of Rastafarian prisoners. Rastafari Heritage are finalising a resource pack for prisons that will include a worship booklet. The items required for corporate worship can also be purchased from Rastafari Heritage – we are aware that a few teams have already done so. Rastafarian Chaplains will not be generally available to visit prisons in the short term (Rastafari Heritage is working with the community to raise awareness and interest, but as you know, all applicants will need to go through the vetting process which will take some time). In the meantime Rastafari Heritage are available to answer any queries, or to visit prisons on a one off consultancy basis to get Rastafarian practice up and running, and to meet with chaplaincy and diversity staff to answer any questions. Clearly it is going to take some time before Rastafarian practice is fully enabled but we hope that the direction of travel is now clearly set and needs can begin to be properly met. The Rastafari Heritage Advisers, Ras Habte Wold/Joseph Edwards and Ras Moqapi Selassie have been cleared to CTC level.

Annex P Rastafari

P1 Introduction

Rastafari is a spiritual way of life and lived experience, centred on His Imperial Majesty (H.I.M.) Emperor Haile Selassie I. The origins of the Rastafari movement

can be traced to Jamaica in the 1930s. It is a unique faith and lifestyle (livity) which embodies the spiritual life, as part of the movement to reclaim African ancestry, not only in the Caribbean but worldwide. The name Rastafari originates in Ethiopia from the name “Ras Tafari” which is the pre-Coronation name of Emperor Haile Selassie I. “Ras” is a title given to the

Princes of Ethiopia and the name “Tafari” was given to the special child born in 1892, who it was foretold would rule on the throne of the Biblical King David, Genesis 49:8-10 / Revelation 12:1-5. In the early part of the 20th Century, Marcus Garvey and others worldwide were actively challenging the ongoing impact of the colonial system upon Black people. In the late 1920s Marcus Garvey was claimed to have said “look to Africa for the crowning of a Black King, the day of deliverance is at hand”. Shortly after this on 2nd November 1930 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the crowning of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I

and Empress Menen took place. It was on this

occasion that H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I was given the titles of King of Kings of Ethiopia, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Elect of God.

The four early leaders credited with the founding of the Rastafari movement were Leonard Howell, Archibald Dunkley, Robert Hinds and Joseph Nathaniel Hibbert, who initially worked across the island of Jamaica to spread the emerging doctrine of Rastafari. This new movement was one part of the response of concerned people to restore African pride and identity, with a refocus on individual and collective self worth. One of the early tenets of the Rastafari Movement is “Repatriation to Africa”.

There are different Houses, Mansions, Groups and Organisations within Rastafari. Some of the main ones are Nyahbinghi, Bobo-Shanti, and the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The Ethiopian World Federation Inc. and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church were not founded as Rastafari groups, but they have very large numbers of Rastafarians within their membership. There are also Rastafarians who are “non-affiliated” and don’t belong to any of these organisational structures. Rastafarians have many different viewpoints and interpretations of the doctrine. However “Peace and Love” is recognised by all. Rastafari is a young Faith, Emperor Haile Selassie I was born in 1892, and was

crowned in 1930. At this stage in its early development, Rastafarians are now articulating their own history, heritage and culture in various forms. Rastafari presents an alternative to Western culture, language, norms and values. Rastafarians use language creatively and thoughtfully, considering the relationships between Word, Sound and Power. Rastafarians question some of the connotations inherent in European languages and often challenge the use of common terms, for example, Rastafarians use “I & I” to denote the union of man with God, and the

fellowship between Rastafarians. Over the years Reggae music has been a fundamental way to spread the word and concepts of Rastafari, finding resonance with oppressed peoples across the world. The Rastafari Movement is a global family and the UK has one of the largest concentrations of Rastafarians outside of Jamaica.

The main Doctrinal points of Rastafari are centred around:

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I

Repatriation to Africa

The unity of Humanity and the Sanctity of Life

P2. Corporate Worship

In the community, worship takes place at a Groundation / Grounation or gathering, also called a Binghi or Nyahbinghi, which is held at various times depending upon each Rastafarian House or organisation. Central to the Groundation is drumming, use of shakers and percussion, chanting and prayers while flying the Ethiopian Lion of Judah flag and displaying pictures relating to the Faith. Rastafari Heritage have produced a “Groundation Guidance” booklet for prisons to help chaplaincy teams facilitate these gatherings in a managed and structured way. Rastafarian prisoners should be permitted to meet together on a weekly or regular basis for corporate worship. Some Rastafarians consider Saturday to be the Sabbath day, but corporate worship/reasoning can take place on any day. Meetings should be supervised in the usual manner. A Rastafari Heritage Groundation Guidance booklet & CD is available for prisons and covers:

Rastafari Chanting

Prayers (Ises - Praises)

Biblical Readings

Reasoning Themes

Chanting Psalms

There is no requirement or need for any prisoner to take a lead role in Groundation/Corporate worship. For the interim period when Rastafarian prisoners are meeting together without a Rastafarian Chaplain being present, it may be helpful if those with a knowledge of Rastafari or elder Rastafarian prisoners play a supportive role in relation to the group. During the session, all those attending should have the opportunity to participate. Rotating the roles of reading, drumming, chanting and directing the reasoning will help individuals develop confidence and to jointly take ownership of the session. Chaplains facilitating the sessions need to be aware of this. Recommendation: feedback sheets are provided to the group for comments to be

collected by a/the facilitator, for reference for Chaplaincy and Rastafari Heritage Advisors. The following items will need to be provided for corporate worship, and further details of how to source them are available in the Rastafari Heritage Resource Pack:

Items required for Groundation / Corporate Worship

Holy Bible – authorized King James Version

Set of Rastafari Djembe drums (to enable the required participation of those

attending, three drums are needed where there are fewer than 7 prisoners; five

drums where there are 7 or more prisoners). (NB: Chaplains should contact

Rastafari Heritage before ordering drums)

Shakers and other percussion instruments

Ethiopian Cross

Rastafari “Lion of Judah” Flag (large)

Display boards with pictures of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I and other relevant Rastafari

illustrations

DVDs / CDs of Rastafari drumming, music and chanting

To order items please contact the Rastafari Faith Advisors. The use of cannabis (ganja) is not permitted under any circumstances in the prison context – see also under P7.

P3. Ministry Initially Rastafarian Chaplains (Elders) will not be trained / available to support prisons with regular visits. However, the Rastafari Faith Advisors are able to visit prisons once or twice a year to meet with Rastafarian prisoners, hold a Groundation session and provide a source of guidance and support. Because of the infrequency of these visits, they should be arranged for a day, morning or afternoon session. Where possible, Rastafari Heritage advisers should meet with both the Managing Chaplain/Chaplaincy line manager and with the Diversity/Equality Officer.

All those coming in to prisons to provide the services of a Rastafarian Chaplain/Elder must be security cleared, as for all Chaplains, and must have the endorsement of Rastafari Heritage. P4. Reasoning

One of the fundamental principles of Rastafari is “Reasoning”, which is based upon the philosophy of “each one, teach one”. It allows for critical assessment of ideas and concepts, whether from written or oral sources, or from personal interpretation or vision. Reasoning can be done on an individual or collective basis, and usually forms part of a Groundation.

P5. Private / Personal Worship

Rastafarians regard the body to be a holy temple. Individuals worship privately with

Prayer, Chanting and Bible Readings. This can be done within their cells/rooms in

the normal routine at any time, on any day and may vary.

P6. Religious Festivals / Significant Dates

These main dates require a Groundation / Corporate Worship (as above) with Rastafarians excused from regular duties.

7 January - Ethiopian Christmas. The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ

5 May - Restoration / Victory Day

Celebration of the victorious return in 1941 of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I to the

Throne in Ethiopia, after 5 years of exile in Britain following the Italian /

Ethiopian War (1936 – 1941)

23 July – H.I.M. Haile Selassie I Birthday

The Earthday / Birthday of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I

2 November - Coronation Day

The joint Coronation of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I and

Her Imperial Majesty Empress Menen to the Throne of Ethiopia.

Other significant Rastafari dates (no holiday required) include:

3 April - Empress Menen Earthday/Birthday

21 April - Groundation Day - commemoration of the visit of H.I.M Haile

Selassie I to Jamaica in 1966.

25 May – African Liberation Day – recognition of the Independence of African

States

16 June - Leonard Howell Earthday / Birthday

17 August - Marcus Garvey Earthday / Birthday

11 September - Ethiopian New Year

Rastafarian Livity (Lifestyle) P7. Livit (Diet)

Within Rastafari livity, “Ital” is a natural way of eating, meaning the complete absence of salt, sugar, preservatives and processed food, therefore some Rastafarians will only eat raw food. Other Rastafarians are vegans and will not eat any type of animal products. However others are vegetarians and include dairy products and fish within their diet. Rastafarians may even eat chicken or meat, but no Rastafarians will eat pork (swine). This is based on Leviticus Chapter 11. Most Rastafarians avoid tea and coffee. Alternatives should be provided e.g. natural teas with fruit and natural ingredients like Mint Tea or Lemon and Ginger.

Fasting

Some Rastafarians fast on a regular basis to elevate their spiritual nature and enhance consciousness. St Mark 9:28 - 30 & St Luke 2: (There are no mandatory fasts for Rastafarians; this is a matter of personal choice.) Fasting is voluntary, and

usually means to abstain from food and drink for a set period of time, the decision to fast and the length of fasting time is up to the individual.

Cannabis / Ganja

Not all Rastafarians use cannabis, but many Rastafarians do use cannabis as a sacrament or for personal reasons. However in most countries, including the UK, the use of cannabis sativa (ganja) is not legal and in the prison context, the use of cannabis (ganja) is not permitted under any circumstances. Rastafarians

accept that all herbs and plants are for the use of man, reference: Genesis Chapter 1: 29 and Psalms 104: 14.

Hygiene

Rastafarians regard the body to be a Holy Temple and endeavour to keep the body pure and clean. Rastafarians practise the principle that “cleanliness is next to Godliness”.

Dreadlocks

The growing of dreadlocks is called “knotting up” and most Rastafarians are easily recognisable by their distinctive dreadlocks, which are grown in a natural way by washing and oiling the hair without any brushing, combing or cutting. This also applies to the growing of the beard. The hair forms into locks and these take shape as they grow in length. This is a personal “covenant” between the individual and the Most High (Numbers 6). However not all Rastafari grow dreadlocks.

The wearing of locks is not unique to Rastafarians. Some people wear locks as a fashion statement and they should not be mistaken for Rastafarians.

P8. Headwear

Most Rastafarians wear a head-covering for their locks/hair, choosing to wear a tam, cap, hat or headwrap (du-rag/scarf). Some may prefer to fully cover, semi cover or not cover their hair; the choice is left to the individual. In the prison context, baseball caps and fashion items are not regarded as Rastafarian religious headwear. The use of inappropriate logos (eg ganja leaves) is also not permitted. Rastafari Heritage encourages and promotes the use of traditional and spiritual headwear. Respect must be shown if it is considered necessary to search dreadlocks/headwear.

P9. Clothing

Many Rastafarians prefer to wear African clothing, in particular white clothes and often with the colours of red, green, black and gold to represent Rastafari.

P10. Rites and Initiation

Rastafarians have many different perspectives on rites: for example only a minority of Rastafarian couples choose to go through a “formal” marriage ceremony. However as the faith / livity evolves, attitudes are changing. At one time the majority of Rastafarians did not recognise the end of life in the same way as other faiths and would not participate in funeral services or burials. Now some Rastafarians are willing to pay their respects at funerals of family and friends.

P11. Black History

Rastafarians take the study of Black History very seriously and explore aspects of African and Caribbean history and heritage through research and reasoning. A good range of books and resources should be made available for this study. Reggae tracks and dub poetry are often used to tell the stories and raise issues, and to tell of the “downpression” of Black people.

P12. Religious Books and Artefacts Key texts include:

The Holy Bible - the Authorised King James version is accepted as the main religious

text of Rastafari.

Kebra Negast - use translation by Miguel F. Brooks

Selected Speeches of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I, 1918 - 1967

Important Utterances of H.I.M Emperor Haile Selassie I, 1963 – 1972

Ethiopian Church Books, including the Apocrypha and the Book of Enoch

Learning also comes from reasoning with other Rastafarians, personal experience and reading secular books. For further suggested reading see the “Rastafari Heritage Resource Pack” Personal items

Tams / Headwear (see P8 above)

Ethiopian Neck Crosses

Hand Crosses

Images of HIM Haile Selassie I

Small Rastafarian flag (with the Lion of Judah)

CDs of Rastafari music/chanting.

Please refer to the “Rastafari Heritage Resource Pack” for more details N.B. Respect needs to be given when handling Rastafari artefacts e.g. the Rastafarian flag or pictures of HIM Haile Selassie I. For further information please refer to the “Rastafari Heritage Resource Pack” Faith Advisers for further guidance: Ras Habte Wold / Joseph Edwards Tel: 0751 0203100 or Ras Moqapi Selassie Tel : 0788 1745782 Email: info@rastafariheritage.com Website: www.rastafariheritage.com

NB Rastafari Heritage is working with Chaplaincy HQ to introduce and provide support for Rastafarian prisoners; this is an ongoing and developing process. This guidance has been prepared in consultation and sets out the main Rastafarian faith and cultural requirements. For further information please refer to the “Rastafari Heritage Resource Pack” prepared for the introduction of support for Rastafarian prisoners. The Rastafari Heritage Team will be working in prisons throughout the implementation phase and beyond, supporting the inclusion of Rastafari, the development of Groundation sessions and providing training, advice and support for prisoners and prison staff.

RASTAFARI HERITAGE RESOURCE ORDER FORM for Prison Chaplaincy

These items are to be made available to Prison Chaplaincies as a complete package to enable

Rastafari corporate worship (Groundation / Gathering) in UK Prisons.

Item Description

3 Rastafari Djembe Drums

with protective caps

(For prisons with LESS

than SEVEN Rastafarian

prisoners).

The Drum is an essential instrument

for Rastafari Groundation/Worship.

1 Drum approx

16 - 24in x 11-13in = 4 - 6kg

5 Rastafari Djembe Drums

with protective caps

(For prisons with MORE

than SEVEN Rastafarian

prisoners).

The Drum is an essential instrument

for Rastafari Groundation/Worship.

1 Drum approx

16 - 24in x 11-13in = 4 - 6kg

5 Shakers – various

The shakers are used to beautify the

sounds drumming & chanting, it

also allows wider participation in

the group.

Wooden Hand-Carved

Ethiopian Hand- Cross

The Ethiopian Hand - Cross sits on

the table (Altar) alongside the Holy

Bible. Approx 7in x 3in

Rastafari “Lion of Judah”

Flag

The Rastafari Flag is Green, Yellow

& Red which is the flag of Ethiopia

our spiritual homeland.

The Lion of Judah represents Christ,

and the Anointed Solomonic linage

of Kings in Ethiopia.

The Lion stands in the centre of the

flag facing to the East. 5ft x 3ft

Rastafari Groundation

Worship Guidance Books

10 copies containing the prayers,

reading, chants, and reasoning's.

Key Text

Kebra Negast by Miguel

Brooks

Kings Utterance

by Moqapi Selassie

Selected writings &

speeches of Marcus

Garvey

Ethiopian Legacy

by Habte Wold

The Glory of Kings tells the story of

the Solomonic lineage in Ethiopia

and the ancient roots of Rastafari.

A collection of Emperor Haile

Selassie I Speeches and Utterances

giving guidance to all humanity in

the pursuit of peace & tolerance.

Self-awareness teachings

Connecting Ethiopia's past, present

& future.

History and mysteries of the

Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Pictures of

H.I.M Haile Selassie I &

Other relevant illustrations

Three pictures to encourage positive

thoughts and aspirations 3 Posters.

DVD

“Mysteries of Zion”

Ethiopian Insight

The Kebra Negast is the historical

story of King Solomon & Queen of

Sheba the fore-parents of

Ras Tafari.

How did the Ark of the Covenant

and the spiritual throne of Emperor

Haile Selassie I came to Ethiopia.

Music CDs

Rastafari Groundation 1

Rastafari Groundation 2

Macka B - Rastafari

Bob Marley

Title may change to suit

availability

Rastafari Traditional

Drumming and Chanting

Inspirational & Cultural Teaching.

Inspirational & Cultural Teaching.

Groundation Guidance Book

The was designed with the intention to solve the initial problem of how to assist

new members of the faith to hold a Rastafari Groundation in the absence of

Rastafari chaplains or elders in prisons.

Rastafari Heritage has created a guidance book containing some traditional

prayers, chants, reasonings and advice, alongside this we went into a studio to

create a double-CD to allow the new members in prison to have some guidance

when chanting and drumming Rastafari Groundation.

Resource Pack

The resource pack has been created to inform the reader of the wide historical

and cultural events that has helped to shape the Rastafari faith and movement.

Many books and newspaper quotes were used in the research to give the reader

the widest Rastafari perspective on each subject.

A set of questions will be at the end of each section

RASTAFARI FAITH ELIGIBILITY

Must be a committed Rastafarian

Must demonstrate a high level of consciousness towards the principles of

Rastafari

Must have a high tolerance and flexibility when working with the various

members of the Rastafari family

Must have a general understanding of all the Rastafarian Mansions/

Must have the endorsement of the prison service Rastafari faith advisers

Security CTC Checks (Counter Terrorist Checks) & Chaplaincy Training

Security checks are a neccessary part of the prison system.

You will be asked for Personal Information when filling out the application

forms

Checks will be carried out on information in the application form, so you must

be honest with the information, otherwise you will be considered to be

deceptive.

(Please remember that the system has kept records and will remember things

that you have forgotten).

1. Application to MOJ (Ministry of Justice)

2. Security Checks

3. Prison Chaplaincy Training

4. Rastafari Heritage Groundation Training

5. Placement into Prisons

6. Ongoing Training Programmes

After Prison Care / Reducing Reoffending and resettlement in the community

Let us plan.

RASTAFARI MESSAGE OF LOVE AT THIS SPECIAL TIME OF YEAR.

28th Tahsas/Ter - Lidet/Genna 2006

7th January - Ethiopian Christmas 2014

Rejoice, Rejoice, Sing Hosanna To The King Of Kings

Emperor Bazan also known as King Jasper ruled Ethiopia between the 1st-10th

century, he was one of the three kings who left their kingdoms to follow the

bright star that heralded the arrival of the rightful King of Kings.

Along his journey from Ethiopia towards Bethlehem he was joined by two other

kings, upon seeing the majestic baby in a stable they bended their knees and

worshiped the Devine Child.

Upon returning to his capital city of Aksum in Ethiopia, Emperor Bazan

declared the birth of the Son of God and began an annual celebration on the 7th

January to worship the birth of the Devine Child.

Haile Selassie the anointed King of Kings reminds us to give reverence to the

Devine Child who was born from the Holy Virgin.

He came on a mission to save the soul of mankind, to return mankind to the

love of the Almighty Creator through his own sacrifice and through his grace.

Emperor Haile Selassie I speaks about the first Christmas Day

"I am very pleased to send you words of my best wishes for your happiness,

progress and peace, on this blessed day for mankind"…

With the birth of the Son of God, an unprecedented, an unrepeatable and a

long-anticipated phenomenon occurred."

unprecedented (IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE)

unrepeatable (IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN)

"He was born in a stable instead of a palace, in a manger instead of a crib.

The hearts of the Wise Men were struck by fear and wonder due to His majestic

humbleness.

The kings prostrated themselves before Him.

Shame on those of us who are Christians and do not follow the way of the

Savior of the World, whose life was filled with kindness, humility and

martyrdom!

If we lived by the laws He gave us and were worthy of being called Christians

peace would have reigned on this earth.

Men were supposed to be the equals of the living angels who unceasingly sang

praises before the eternal God."

As Rastafari people we claim the heritage of the King, and must all realise that

by accepting and following this message we also teach, remind and reinforce to

the world the reason why the King uttered this word-sound when he said,

"So that the spirit of the cursed will not gain predominance over the human

race whom Christ redeemed with his blood"

Only True Love Is The Answer

The light of Rastafari shines in us all, and we are to be a living example of Haile

Selassie I words and works.

The real hope for true lasting freedom and liberty remains the same, it comes

from an eternal force mightier than anything we can imagine or comprehend.

But yet the mightier than the mighty still has compassion for us as mankind

stumbles through the darkness in search of the light.

Rastafarians meditate and pray facing the East towards the holy land of

Ethiopia, the land where mankind was created and where the Ark of the

Covenant resides.

Unity is strength, people war for power but they know not the hour, fools think

that war can conquer but only true love is the answer.

No-one wishes to be in a prison, yet people imprison themselves everyday with

sin and a carnal mind, the teachings of Rastafari is to leave the carnal mind

behind and to trod the path of truth and righteousness.

If we do find ourselves in prison, please be respectful to yourself and to others,

be thankful that being in prison in the U.K provides you with 3 meals a day,

health-care and education offered free of charge.

Please also spare a thought for the Rastafarian in prison around the world.

Test of Faith

This is the time for reflection on the past year and even beyond, the time for

building a vision for a better and brighter future in Rastafari for yourselves,

your family and your friends who wish you well.

We know that faith can move mountains, so challenge yourself and put faith to

the test!

Jah guarantee's that you will like yourself even more than you do now.

Sacrifice your old self for a new and better version, one who is wiser, stronger,

in tune with the creator and a person of faith.

Rastafari Heritage sends Perfect Love to all of you for the coming year.

2 Corinthians 13v11

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live

in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Rastafari Heritage

Rastafari Faith Advisers

Ras Habte Wold

Ras Moqapi Selassie

If you would like to apply to work as a Rastafari Chaplain or

If you would like to volunteer your time and skills or

If you would like to support this work

Please Contact

Ras Habte Wold - 07510203100 / Ras Moqapi Selassie - 07881745782

EMAIL ... Info@rastafariheritage.com Website ... www.Rastafariheritage.com