Wells Cathedral Education Room was packed as people gathered for an inspiring evening about Emperor Haile Selassie I in Bath and Wells: His Journey, His Faith. The evening brought together speakers, historians and members of the community to explore the Emperor’s profound spiritual legacy and his historic connections to the region. Haile Selassie I was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974 and was exiled during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia.
The talk in Wells opened with a presentation from Professor Shawn-Naphtali Sobers, visual anthropologist, who focused on the Emperor’s deep and distinctive faith. His contribution highlighted the significance of the Orthodox Ethiopian Church within the wider Christian tradition, offering rich cultural and theological context with the audience gathered.
Ras Benji, Operations Manager of Fairfield House, Haile Selassie’s wartime residence in Bath, delivered an engaging account of the Emperor’s time in the region and presented Bishop Michael with a framed Wells Journal article documenting the Emperor’s visit to Wells Cathedral in 1938.
The evening also highlighted the creative work of Paula Ogun Hector, artist and curator the Tapestry of Black Britons, a powerful collection that includes the portrait of Emperor Haile Selassie I. The exhibition is currently on display at Wells Cathedral until 28 November. It offers visitors the change to engage with the stories and contributions of Black Britons across history.
The talk forms part of a wider programme accompanying the exhibition. The next event in the series is the Woven Stories workshop in 17 November, inviting participants to explore identity, heritage and storytelling through creative engagement. Further details can be found on the Cathedral’s website.
The evening was warmly received by all those who attended offering an insightful look at the Emperor’s faith, his time in Bath and the lasting cultural connections that continue today.