Part 3 Interview with Sis Mary Dread

From The Rastafari Expression,
A regular column by Kaya I Isesajah, Aug 13, 2005         

KI. Why is Orthodox Christianity, like that of the Ithiopian Church, and His Majesty’s Faith, accepted while other Christian Faiths rejected in Rastafari?

SMD. Other Christian faiths have corrupted the word of Christ. All grew out of the Roman Catholic faith. Early Christians were persecuted and killed by Rome and it was not until Rome realized that it couldn’t stop this movemant that it took over the faith and corrupted it to deny the people the truth. The Roman Church then broke away from the Orthodox faith to form their own religion. The Orthodox church has carried the true teachings forward to this day.

KI. Did Haile Selassie I acknowledge and worship Yahshua?

SMD. Yes he acknowledge Iyesu, this is obvious from His teachings.

KI. What do black people need in this Iwa? With the world wide poverty and especially the poverty experienced in Africa and the Third World Countries, what do you see your role in aiding the fight in this poverty?

SMD. Cancellation of debt with no demands attached. Fair trade, equal rights and justice. I do what I can to make people aware, to join any campaigns and to send a little money when I can. I buy Fair Trade products where they are available. I am also working with the Empress Menen Foundation to help I&I Ras Tafari ilders. Ones could read about this on I website. http://rastaites.com

KI. What about Reparations?

SMD. No amount of money can ever repay the debt owed to black people and other peoples who were enslaved. No amount of money can right the wrongs caused by colonization. Still the money owed should be spent to give all the world’s people especially black people the right to food, clothes, shelter, healthcare, education and a decent standard of life.

KI. What about Repatriation for your self?

SMD. If Jah calls I to move from I present home then I will. At this time I feel that the works that I have to do are better carried out from here.

KI. Do you feel that your Bretheren no matter where they hail from should repatriate to Africa?

SMD. I don’t feel that anyone should repatriate anywhere unless they have something to offer and can make the quality of life better for the people there. Ones need to bring skills, knowledge and a willingness to help. If one is just bringing another mouth to feed then stay where you are and work to improve things from there.

KI. Is the I a member of any Organized Movement which is working to further Rastafari?

SMD. As the I knows I have the Rasta Ites website which aims to educate people about Ras Tafari and also to carry news to I&I all over the world.

KI. What is the I current occupation?

SMD. Assistant manager of a library and learning centre.

KI. What is di I Sabbath practice?

SMD. I worship Jah every day and do not need a special day to do this.

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KI. What is the I view on the Sacrament, considered Hola to some houses and mansions? Is it necessary to partake?

SMD. The Hola Herb is just that Hola and ones may partake of it if they wish. It aids meditation and focuses ones mind on the Most High. For Iself, after 37 years of use, I have recently decided to give it a rest.

KI. How does the I keep an Ital diet? Since there are some differing diets kept, what is your view of those who do not keep vegan?

SMD. Personally I keep a vegetarian diet still I am not a vegan. It is up to a one and ones conscience what one eats. Still in the beginning Jah gave I&I the herbs of the field and the fruit of the trees for food. It is only after the flood when man is told to eat meat. I think that after being flooded for nearly a year, the Earth could not provide any herbs and fruit at that time.

KI. How does the I view Haile Selassie teachmants, from the speeches you have read?

SMD. His Majesty tells us to have raspect for all humankind and raspect for others religions and cultures. He teaches us to work hard and pray hard and to live an upright and spiritual life.

KI. How does the I see Reggae music (Roots) in the present time?

SMD. Reggae music is not Rasta music. Nyahbinghi is Rasta music. I love roots reggae music still, especially when it is used to teach I&I. Bob Marley did a great works to spread the message of Ras Tafari through this music and many other artists have done and are doing the same. I love music with conscious lyrics and I love dub music. I’m not so keen on most dancehall and more modern forms of reggae, still if it has good lyrics it is good for the youths as it is their music.

KI. Any feeling about Gospel Reggae or Christian Reggae such as Judy Mowatt, Sis Carlene Davis, Papa San for Isample?

SMD. Haven’t really heard much of this and have no opinion one way or the other.

KI. Can you explain what the statement “death to all white and black downpressors” in terms of the oppression felt today by Rastafari and Black people?

SMD. I think that is fairly obvious, the wages of sin is death and downpression of others is a sin.

KI. In terms of western medicine, what if any do you subscribe to?

SMD. His Majesty built hospitals in Ethiopia to provide this kind of medicine for the people. Where there is a more natural cure then it is good to use this, still if ones needs western medicine to achieve health and prevent death then I don’t see any problem with it. As for Iself, if I can’t cure Iself with herbs then I will visit the doctor.

KI. One of the more serious issues in Rastafari health, is the issue of mothers vaccinating their children. Can we hear your feelings about Immunizations?

SMD. Vaccination has saved the lives of many children; I don’t think I&I can fight against this. If one is going to Africa then there are certain vaccinations that one must have. In this country (UK) any fight against vaccination usually results in a renewed outbreak of the disease… for example whooping cough.

KI. If you were to cease to be on this physical plane, where will your spirit be?

SMD. I will be with Jah resting in preparation for the next trod.

KI. Will you be acceptable unto the Most High Jah?

SMD. Only Jah know

KI. What in your opinion do INI have to do, in order to be Saved, See Zion or be Redeemed? Will works be enough?

SMD. I will do my best and Jah will help I through.

Matthew 16:27 - “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”