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Understanding Rastafari in Correctional Settings

A Guide to Faith, Practice, and Respect

In correctional settings, individuals who identify with the Rastafari faith often encounter a range of challenges: from the denial of access to sacred dietary needs to restrictions on hair, head coverings, or religious gatherings. These restrictions are not merely inconveniences — they strike at the heart of the Rastafari identity and spiritual practice. This guide seeks to bridge the gap between institutional policies and religious accommodations by providing a respectful, educational, and actionable resource for correctional administrators, officers, and staff. Understanding Rastafari within the correctional environment requires more than just policy adjustments — it requires compassion, education, and a willingness to acknowledge the depth of this faith. Rastafari practitioners often take a Nazirite vow — a sacred commitment that includes the growing of dreadlocks, abstention from alcohol, meat, and certain behaviors, and a life dedicated to spiritual purity. Their diet, known as Ital, is rooted in natural, plant-based foods free from additives, chemicals, or preservatives. Worship can include communal gatherings, drumming, chanting, and reading from the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, which holds deep spiritual significance. This guide will unpack the key elements of Rastafari — not only its theological beliefs but also the cultural expressions that are inseparable from the faith. It will clarify the importance of dreadlocks, head coverings, and the rejection of synthetic or processed substances. It will also examine how prison policies can unintentionally violate the religious rights of Rastafari inmates and provide actionable strategies to support their freedom of religious expression.

Genres

ReligionLaw

ISBN

9798897788125

Format

E-book / Digital online

Contributors

Bryan Rouse

Created by

Bryan Rouse was born in Trinidad & Tobago where attending church and studying the bible was an important and significant part of his early life growing up. In Canada Bryan began working in the field of social justice when he was a student at George Brown College in the Human Resource Counsellor and Community Worker programs from 1996 to 1999; he graduated with two diplomas. As part of his academic field placements, Bryan worked with men in Toronto shelters involved with the criminal justice system and living with addictions. Within this role he facilitated life skills groups and provided supportive counselling. Additionally, Bryan worked with a former organization called ‘JustUs’ which introduced Bryan to the principles of social justice and chaplaincy work within correctional institutions. With ‘JustUs’, Bryan began visiting men and women incarcerated in Ontario Institutions to offer spiritual support and education groups. He also facilitated community-based support groups for ex-prisoners and their family and friends. After completing his time with ‘JustUs’, Bryan continued to work independently on a volunteer basis within Ontario correctional institutions; his interest and work grew to primarily focus on the needs of black men and those practicing the Rastafarian faith. Bryan also continued to work within the community and implemented is own program to support friends and family of men and women in prison. Correctional Services Canada (CSC) later determined the chaplaincy needs of inmates practicing the Rastafarian faith needed to be substantiated, and a part-time chaplaincy position to service Rastafarians within Canadian correctional institutions was established. In 2008 Bryan was hired to fill this position with CSC, and today continues to work as a Rastafarian Chaplain in Ontario for correctional facilities. Bryan also regularly provides consultation to correctional institutions outside of Ontario across Canada. Bryan currently lives in Toronto with his family.

Davidacus Holmes

Created by

Davidacus Holmes is a dedicated advocate for spiritual equity, religious understanding, and restorative justice within correctional environments. With a deep personal commitment to the Rastafari faith and years of experience in chaplaincy work and community outreach, Holmes brings an authentic and compassionate voice to the discussion of faith practice behind bars. As a lifelong student of Rastafari philosophy and culture, he has worked to bridge gaps between institutional systems and the spiritual needs of marginalized communities. Holmes’ approach combines firsthand experience, cultural expertise, and a passion for education, offering practical guidance to correctional staff and administrators seeking to better understand and support incarcerated Rastafari practitioners. Through Understanding Rastafari in Correctional Settings, Holmes invites readers to see beyond stereotypes, fostering respect, dignity, and lawful accommodation for all faiths within the justice system.

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