New religion in Arizona gets access to powerful drugs

Religions all have their idiosyncrasies. Whether you follow Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or something else, your church undoubtedly has traditions that seem strange to outsiders.

While most churches use the power of faith and prayer to draw closer to their higher power, one radical church in Arizona is taking a different approach.

What is the Church of the Eagle and the Condor?

Founded in 2018, the Church of the Eagle and the Condor (CEC) is a spiritual church that follows the teachings of early Native Americans. The church encourages its members to a higher spiritual understanding of themselves and others through healing ceremonies and sacred activism.

Like many spiritual churches, the CEC has a deep connection with the earth and mother nature. They believe in reconnecting with the elements (Water, Earth, Fire, Air and Ether) to further their own spiritual progress.

The Church’s Struggle with the DEA

As you begin to open yourself up to spiritual change, one concept stands out above the rest: psychedelic drugs. These mind-altering substances are said to “unlock the secrets of the universe” for those who know how to look for them.

The CEC has a tradition of using the South American drug Ayahuasca to open their minds and connect more deeply with nature. Unfortunately for them, the drug is illegal in the United States, giving their members the choice of going without, or making the journey to the Amazon rainforest where the drug grows.

The Church makes history

By the end of April 2024, the church prevailed and won the case against the DEA, allowing members of their church to import and ingest the substance. The ruling ruled that the church is eligible to claim religious freedom and can therefore consume Ayahuasca as a sacrament.

This is the first indigenous church to earn their religious freedom and protection for their ceremonies.

(The Church of the Eagle and the Condor)

(High times)