"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. In the midst of the congregation will I praise you,amongst those who are gathered to praise the Almighty under the banner of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I."
The Congregation of Selassie I is a decentralized, diverse body of individuals who share a common Ras Tafari I Selassie I ideology/philosophy or sympathize with the said ideology/philosophy.
It is the explicit aim of The Congregation of Selassie I to:
1. Promote the words, actions, and deeds of Haile Selassie I. His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie I, emperor of Ethiopia is a very unique and fascinating individual. The study of his being offers much in the way of lessons for those who are willing to learn them. It is the aim of the congregation to seek out and disseminate as much information as possible concerning Haile Selassie I, to the benefit of all people groups and nations of the world.
The emperor himself is our model for transracial unity and religious tolerance amongst the many races and nations of the earth. It is within the person of emperor Haile Selassie I that we all find our common bond and it is this common ground that will be emphasized to our own benefit and strengthening.
2. Promote the significance of African/Ethiopian Civilization, History and Antiquity. Through various forms of media and personal interaction, the congregation will endeavor to raise the Black/Afro/Ethio consciousness of the various communities that we find ourselves a part of.
Africa/Ethiopia is rich in history and has played a significant role in the development of civilization as we have come to know it. By disseminating and expounded upon this history to others, the man of color will be raised to a level of equality amongst his fellow humans. The goal is dignity and respect through knowledge.
3. Promote RasTafari University. Unity amidst diversity. Through an open dialogue and reasoning amongst the various Rastafari mansions, it is the aim of the congregation to promote unity amongst all Rastafari and Rastafari sympathizers. There is strength in numbers and much more can be accomplished by the group than is possible by the individual.
As an intentionally decentralized society, there are no meetings or memberships. Unity will be promoted by the cooperative sharing of information and services. Through the open exchange of ideas (art, books, reasoning, etc.) and promotion of rasta products amongst Rastafari and Rastafari sympathizers, a legitimate and organic unity can be promoted and developed .
4. Promote the Legitimacy of RasTafarianism. Through the dual mechanics of academic scholarship as well as mystical/intuitive knowing and "overstanding," it is the goal of the congregation to promote the legitimacy of the RasTafari way for all of its adherents of all races, nationalities, and creeds.
His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie I, promoted the equality of all of the earth's inhabitants. It is, therefore, the goal of the congregation to extend this same life philosophy of peace and equality to all who (a.) identify themselves as RasTafari or Dread and/or (b.) sympathize with the RasTafari cause and livity.
Through mutual respect amongst brethren and sistren, as well as a sense of self-respect for oneself, the way of RasTafari Selassie I, can be self-legitimizing and self-affirming. Our personal interactions with those within, as well as those without, are a testament to the validity of our beliefs and convictions.
This is the sole document that outlines and elaborates upon the goals, aims, and intentions of The Congregation of Selassie I. All activities and collaborations are based on the freewill decisions of individuals who agree to work together in mutual trust, respect, and dignity in order to promote the acknowledgement and understanding of RasTafari.
