Raven of the Sacred Entheogen is a Faith Based Organization incorporated under law as a 508(C)(1)A organization in Portland, Oregon. The Church asserts it's legal right, under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, 42 USC § 2000bb, et seq. (“RFRA”), and other applicable state laws, to use sacraments in religious ceremonies that are genuine and held with sincere religious beliefs. This includes sacraments that are allowed under federal and state law.
The Church considers only one sacrament, which is a mix of natural substances found in certain mushrooms, specifically, psilocybin and psilocyn. This sacrament has been used in religious ceremonies around the world for hundreds of years. The Church and its members believe that they have the right to use this sacrament responsibly, exempted from the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 801, et seq. (“CSA”), and applicable state Controlled Substances Acts.
The Church argues that the right to use entheogens, in accordance with sincerely held religious beliefs, is inherent in state and federal constitutions and amendments, including the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Church also believes that this right has been recognized and advanced by statute, including federal and state religious freedom protection acts. Courts across the United States, including the United States Supreme Court, have recognized the right of churches and church representatives to responsibly use entheogenic sacraments in furtherance of sincerely held religious beliefs. For instance, the UDV Decision recognized the religious right of the church and its members to use formulations of DMT-containing ayahuasca, as well as the Santo Daime Decision. Additionally, the New Hampshire Supreme Court vacated an order denying the motion to dismiss prosecution for possession and sacramental use of psilocyn and/or psilocybin in furtherance of sincerely held religious beliefs. We highly recommend that as a member you keep a spiritual journal detailing your dedication to following a sincere religious path with us.
The Church asserts its rights to seek attorney’s fees and other damages if any private or government actor infringes on the rights of the Church or adult Church members to safely and responsibly practice their religion. This assertion is in accordance with 43 U.S.C. § 1988(b).