He said: "No good child should have pierced ears, except for the white ones. A young man singing in front while wearing torn jeans is unacceptable. And you pastors see this and let it go. No girl or woman should come here to lead in the church wearing pants. No female singer should sing wearing pants.

Furthermore, no boy should sing while wearing dreadlocks. It is not allowed. Those dreadlocks are a symbol of a religion called Rastafari, a religion of Satan. Therefore, those who wear them do not understand what they truly represent."

His comments have sparked major controversy, especially concerning his views on behavior and attire, including the wearing of pants by women and the hairstyle (dreadlocks) worn by young men.

His remarks were met with applause as he was speaking within his own church, but the statements about the Rastafari religion have led to mixed reactions. Many have suggested that he should apologize for his comments.

Gitwaza stated that no one with dreadlocks or wearing short clothes or pants would be allowed to sing in the choir or perform any duties within the church. He emphasized that dreadlocks are a symbol of Satanism and that those who wear them are imitating the followers of the Rastafari religion. He also stated that Rastafarians worship Satan.

Note: Rastafarians believe that Haile Selassie, the former king of Ethiopia, is the true God, or "Jah," as many Christians refer to God. (Claiming that a human king is God is controversial.)

Deep Explanation of Rastafari Beliefs

Origins of Rastafari

Rastafari is a religious and cultural movement that originated in Jamaica during the 1930s. It was largely influenced by the socio-political climate of the time, as people of African descent were struggling with oppression and seeking a spiritual connection to their heritage.

The movement was strongly shaped by the teachings of Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political leader and activist who promoted the idea of African pride and repatriation to Africa, particularly to Ethiopia.

The key event that led to the formalization of the Rastafari movement was the coronation of Haile Selassie I as Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930. His coronation sparked a sense of hope and spiritual awakening for many people of African descent, especially in the Caribbean and other parts of the world. Rastafarians believe that Haile Selassie is not only the king of Ethiopia but also the earthly incarnation of God, whom they refer to as "Jah."

Rastafarians believe in the divinity of Haile Selassie I. They see him as the fulfillment of the biblical prophecy of the return of a black king who would lead oppressed people (particularly of African descent) to freedom.

According to the Bible, this figure is the "Messiah" who would deliver people from suffering. Rastafarians also believe that Haile Selassie I is a direct descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, further emphasizing his divine status.
Here are some of the key beliefs of Rastafarians:

1. Haile Selassie I as God: The most central belief of Rastafarians is that Haile Selassie I is the physical manifestation of God (Jah) on Earth. His reign as emperor is seen as the realization of biblical prophecy. While most Christians see Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Rastafarians believe that Haile Selassie is God incarnate.

This belief stems from the coronation of Haile Selassie in 1930, which was viewed as a fulfillment of Garvey’s prophecy and biblical scripture, such as Psalm 68:31, which says, "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God."

2. Jah and the Divinity Within: Rastafarians believe that Jah is present within every human being. "Jah" is an abbreviation of "Jehovah," the biblical name for God. They view their spiritual connection with Jah as deeply personal and believe that by following the principles of "Livity," a righteous lifestyle, they can grow closer to God.

3. Repatriation: Rastafarians believe in the idea of repatriation, or the return to Africa, especially Ethiopia, which is seen as their spiritual homeland. This is rooted in the belief that Africa was the original cradle of humanity and that black people should return to their roots, both physically and spiritually.

4. Livity: The concept of "Livity" is the Rastafarian way of life, which includes living righteously, following natural laws, and rejecting materialism. It includes practices such as avoiding harmful substances, living a clean and healthy lifestyle, and following a vegetarian or vegan diet called "Ital" (meaning "natural" or "pure").

5. Dreadlocks: One of the most recognizable symbols of Rastafari is the wearing of dreadlocks. This hairstyle is seen as a physical representation of the Nazarite vow mentioned in the Bible (Judges 13:5, 1 Corinthians 11:15). Dreadlocks are worn to represent strength, pride in African heritage, and a rejection of Babylon (the corrupt Western world). The hair is also seen as a spiritual connection to God.

6. Marijuana (Ganja): The use of marijuana, known as "ganja" in the Rastafarian community, is considered sacred and used as a sacrament. Rastafarians believe that marijuana helps to open their minds, facilitate spiritual growth, and deepen their connection to Jah. It is not used recreationally but as part of meditation and worship.

7. Opposition to "Babylon": "Babylon" refers to the oppressive Western system and society that Rastafarians believe enslaves and exploits people, especially of African descent. It symbolizes materialism, colonialism, and institutional racism. Rastafarians reject these systems in favor of a lifestyle that promotes peace, unity, and self-determination.
Is Haile Selassie I Considered God?

Yes, Haile Selassie I is considered God (Jah) by Rastafarians. They believe that he was divinely ordained to be the ruler of Ethiopia and that his reign was a fulfillment of the biblical prophecy. While many people outside of Rastafari consider Haile Selassie to have been a human emperor, Rastafarians view him as a divine figure who will lead them to salvation and liberation.

However, it is important to note that Haile Selassie himself did not explicitly claim to be God. He was a devout Christian and maintained that he was a servant of God. Despite this, Rastafarians believe that his actions and words were divinely guided.
Do Rastafarians Oppose the "Real" God?

Rastafarians do not oppose God in the traditional sense. They believe in the same God that Christians and Jews believe in but have a different understanding of God’s manifestation. For Rastafarians, Jah is not a distant, abstract concept; Jah is present within each person, especially those of African descent.

Their belief in Haile Selassie as God does not mean they reject the biblical God; rather, they interpret scripture through their own lens, seeing Haile Selassie as the fulfillment of prophecy and a divine presence on Earth.

Rastafarians Today

Today, Rastafarianism continues to influence many, especially in the Caribbean, Africa, and the African diaspora worldwide. It has had a profound cultural impact, especially through reggae music, with figures like Bob Marley becoming global icons and spreading the message of Rastafari.

While Rastafari is not as large a religious group as other faiths, it remains an important movement for promoting African pride, spirituality, and social justice. Many followers continue to advocate for the rights of black people, repatriation to Africa, and living a life of peace and righteousness.

Documentaries and Resources

For a deeper understanding of Rastafari, check the following documentaries:
1. "Rastaman Vibration: The Story of the Rastafarian Movement" – This documentary delves into the origins, beliefs, and cultural impact of Rastafarianism.

2. "The Life and Legacy of Haile Selassie" – A documentary that focuses on the life of Haile Selassie I, his reign as Emperor of Ethiopia, and his influence on the Rastafari movement.

3. "Marley" – A biographical documentary about reggae legend Bob Marley, exploring his connection to Rastafari and his role in spreading the movement worldwide.

These documentaries can give you more insight into the religious, cultural, and social aspects of Rastafarianism, as well as the influence of Haile Selassie and figures like Bob Marley in popularizing Rastafarian beliefs.

Gitwaza emphasized that dreadlocks are a symbol of Rastafari faith, which they believe is a religion that worships Satan.

These statements have led some to argue that Gitwaza does not fully understand the Rastafari religion, and many have criticized him for making inappropriate comments. They are calling for him to apologize to those who follow this belief system.