God
Rastafarians believe that God – or Jah – revealed himself through a succession of saviours or avatars, beginning with Moses. He was followed by Elijah, Jesus Christ and finally Haile Selassie.

Origins
Rastafarianism was officially established in 1930 when Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and proclaimed Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Elect of God, Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah.

I and I
The concept of I and I expresses the belief that all people are one and that God exists in all of us.

Statistics
There are up to a million Rastafarians worldwide. It is estimated that 60% of people living in Jamaica are Rastafarian or support the faith. Just over 5,000 Rastafarians live in the UK, with around NUMBER in Tower Hamlets.

Structure

• No official church buildings or leaders
• Each individual group and person is autonomous