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Announcing the Transition of Royal Priest Wesley Kelly and Launching of Legacy Initiative to Continue His Lifelong Mission


Royal Priest Wesley Kelly
Royal Priest Wesley Kelly

Kingston, Jamaica - June 22, 2026 - The Haile Selassie I JAH Rastafari Royal Ethiopian Judah Coptic Church announces with profound sadness the transition of Royal Priest Wesley Kelly, one of Jamaica's most respected Rastafari elders, teachers, and spiritual leaders.


For decades, Royal Priest Wesley Kelly devoted his life to preserving the spiritual, historical, cultural, and legal heritage of the Rastafari movement. His unwavering commitment to the teachings of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I made him one of the most recognizable voices within the Rastafari community and a steadfast advocate for the protection of Rastafari religious and sacramental rights in Jamaica and throughout the world.


Among his most enduring contributions was his commitment to educating the Rastafari community about the Bill establishing the Haile Selassie I JAH Rastafari Royal Ethiopian Judah Coptic Church in Jamaica. He believed that understanding the Church's history and legal foundation was essential to protecting Rastafari religious freedom, strengthening unity, preserving institutional memory, and expanding the Church's ministry for future generations.


Royal Priest Wesley Kelly also devoted many years to advancing the national observance of April as Rastafari Month. Traveling throughout Jamaica, he met with Rastafari organizations, elders, community leaders, government representatives, educators, and members of the public to promote a deeper appreciation of Rastafari history, Rastafari Livity, the sacred use of sacrament as an expression of religious faith, and Reggae music as the cultural expression through which the philosophy, spirituality, and message of Rastafari reached the world.


Today, April is widely observed as Rastafari Month, reflecting the vision, perseverance, and collective work of Royal Priest Wesley Kelly and the many elders who promoted, preserved, and defended the Rastafari movement. Throughout Jamaica, Priest Kelly was equally respected for officiating Rastafari funerals and ensuring that countless Rastafari brethren and sistren received a dignified spiritual farewell rooted in their faith and traditions. He believed that the freedom to practice Rastafari - including worship, Livity, sacramental observances, cultural traditions, and rites of passage - forms an essential part of the fundamental human

rights and religious freedoms guaranteed to every individual.

As one of the last surviving elders connected to the original leadership entrusted with advancing the work of the Church, Royal Priest Wesley Kelly understood the importance of preserving institutional memory. In the final years of his ministry, he emphasized the urgent responsibility to teach the Church's history, mission, and purpose; protect the religious rights of Rastafarians; strengthen coordination and collaboration among Rastafari mansions while respecting their spiritual autonomy; and carry the Church's mission forward throughout Jamaica, Africa, the Caribbean, and the global African Diaspora.


"The righteous live on through their works.

Royal Priest Wesley Kelly preserved a sacred history and entrusted the next generation with the responsibility to continue the work."


Haile Selassie I JAH Rastafari Royal Ethiopian Judah Coptic Church


Continuing Priest Kelly's Mission

In accordance with Royal Priest Wesley Kelly's expressed wishes, and in fulfillment of the Church's continuing responsibility, the Haile Selassie I JAH Rastafari Royal Ethiopian Judah Coptic Church announces the establishment of the Royal Priest Wesley Kelly Legacy Initiative.


The initiative will preserve his work, strengthen Rastafari education, and create a formal platform for collaboration among elders, clergy, mansions, scholars, musicians, youth leaders, community organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and members of the global African Diaspora.


The Royal Priest Wesley Kelly Legacy Initiative will include:


  •  An Annual Rastafari Conference convened each April during Rastafari Month.

  •  The preservation and digitization of Church records, legal documents, historical materials, and institutional archives.

  •  Educational programs on Rastafari history, religious liberty, sacramental rights, and the Church's legal development.

  •  The collection and preservation of oral histories from Priest Kelly, elders, clergy, and members of the Rastafari community.

  •  Cultural and educational partnerships with Ethiopia, CARICOM Member States, African Union Member

  • States, Rastafari organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and members of the global African Diaspora.

  • Strategic cooperation in trade, investment, entrepreneurship, regenerative agriculture, tourism, and sustainable economic development for the benefit of African peoples worldwide.


The Church invites all Rastafari mansions, organizations, elders, scholars, musicians, youth leaders, community organizations, and members of the Diaspora to participate in preserving and strengthening this shared legacy.


The Church extends its deepest condolences to Priest Kelly's family, fellow clergy, brethren, sistren, and all whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, humility, service, and unwavering faith. Further announcements regarding memorial services, Nyabinghi celebrations, funeral arrangements, and the inaugural Annual Rastafari Conference will be issued as details become available.


Statement from the Office of the Secretary

Royal Priest Wesley Kelly faithfully preserved the history, teachings, and institutional foundations of the Haile Selassie I JAH Rastafari Royal Ethiopian Judah Coptic Church. As Secretary, I accept with humility the responsibility entrusted to me to continue that work.


Together with our elders, clergy, brethren, sistren, and the wider Rastafari community, we remain unwavering in our commitment to advancing the mission of the Church and to preserving, strengthening, and carrying forward the spiritual Kingdom and enduring legacy of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I throughout Jamaica, the Caribbean, Africa, and the world for generations to come.

May Jah comfort all who mourn and strengthen those who continue the work.


Rest in Eternal Power

Royal Priest Wesley Kelly


"The righteous live on through their works."


Media Contact

Karen Francis, M.Ed. (Empress Zaria)

Secretary, Haile Selassie I JAH Rastafari Royal Ethiopian Judah Coptic Church

President, Haile Selassie I MetaVersity

 
 
 
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