A church in Alabama offers a rather strange way of drawing its worshippers closer to God. While Christian churches commonly use bread and wine during communion, the Oklevueha Native American Church of Inner Light gives its members hallucinogenic drugs consisting of marijuana, mushrooms and peyote, according to al.com.
Church CEO Christopher Rushing said his congregation is the only federally registered church granted permission by the U.S. government to use herbal "medicines" as ritual "sacraments."
He said the "medicines" allow members of the congregation to develop a closer relationship with God.
"Our prayer is that the earth gives us things for our health," he said. "Too many people need this help. We believe these medicines unlock and show people the true nature of God."
Rushing said the plants are in no way toxic or deadly, adding that "they have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, long before pharmaceutical companies began making synthetic versions of them."
The Alabama branch of the church has 120 members who carry IDs that identify them as members of the church, giving them a federal religious exemption to use natural drugs that are otherwise prohibited by law, he said.
The church has a mix of Christian and Native American beliefs, he said. "We believe what Christ spoke and taught," Rushing said.
Although the church has a native American name, it is open to people regardless of race or ethnic background, he said.
Unlike most churches, the Oklevueha Native American Church in Alabama doesn't have weekly services.
Joining requires a letter of sincerity from the branch leader, Rushing said.
The church has a religious ceremony where its members stare into a fire all night while ingesting peyote or mushrooms. "Medicines open portals to reality," Rushing said. "That's how we receive insights and healing. The medicine is personalised. The creator knows who will eat it while it's still growing."
Rushing cited the "enormous" health benefits of marijuana, mushrooms and cacti, saying they can combat depression and cure people of addictions.
He said he could not understand why pharmaceutical companies are allowed to gain large profits on harmful synthetic and dangerous drugs while people are barred from using herbal medicines.
"I don't understand societies and governments that want to outlaw nature," Rushing said. "The only reason I see is so they can get rich."
