We are not afraid of jail or prison, it is only a documentation of our persecution and a testament to the religious intolerance of our society. We are not doing anything wrong by consuming marijuana in accordance with our sincerely held religious beliefs, practices and traditions.

We have systems for identification of our members and propose voluntary reporting to ensure proper communication and education of our communities. We want to step up as responsible citizens, we want to be productive supportive members of society, we want to be recognized as equals.

Beware the stereotypes and myths of marijuana users. The truth is that most marijuana users are highly intelligent and most go completely unnoticed by society. They work hard at good jobs and participate actively in community events and try very hard to not to cause discomfort to others that may feel different about marijuana. Even many more still who do not actively participate in the consumption of marijuana, approve of it's historically spiritual and medicinal uses.

Motivational speakers talk about mindset. Mindset is important to making and accomplishing goals. This is undeniably true. People, induced with a "Criminal" mindset by their governments and communities, are doomed to a never ending War on Drugs that leaves many innocent torn by the shrapnel of intolerance and disfigured by lack of spiritual guidance. The only outcome of intolerance and lack of spiritual guidance is the destruction of one's physical, emotional and spiritual self. As is evident by the state of today's widespread misuse of drugs for recreational purposes, which is sacrilegious, and by the widespread rises in not only crime, but the heinous nature of the crimes themselves.

To politicians and police, do you not see? Do you not understand, that we are brothers? We are charged with protecting the lives and liberties of our people, we are part of the solution, we are here to help. Do you not see? Do you not understand that we are offering a tool in the War on Drugs through mentoring and substance abuse programs that will significantly decrease the use of hard drugs that are detrimental to our society?

I support the War on Drugs. Drugs are bad. I support religious use, I smoke marijuana in my daily prayers. I'm not trying to create a loophole for  those of a criminal mind. I am however creating a sanctuary for those who would hope for a better tomorrow by working for it today. Members of our Temple do not drag their responsibilities like a bag of bricks, or some hideous burden, we wear it like a crown, for we are truly proud to be responsible for the world we live in and we have an oath to protect it. I want to put an end to the Silent Civil War of Marijuana and bring freedom to our people, we have been slaves for too long. P.O.W.s of a intolerant government's War on Drugs. We pray for peace.

Rev. Kevin A. Loring
 

http://crf.hudson.org/ An excellent website! Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom.

http://rac.org/advocacy/issues/issuerp/ Articles about religious freedom.

Special Report: Teaching Religious Intolerance: An eye opening report on the way religious intolerance is taught openly by schools around the world.

Separation of Church and State vital to Democracy: an excellent article by Marvin Frankel. Marvin Frankel is an attorney in private practice who formerly served as Assistant Solicitor General. The above is adapted from his book Faith and Freedom: Religious Liberty in America (New York: Hill and Wang, 1994).

http://fightingreligiousintolerance.org/user-guide/historical-information: An excellent website dedicated to fighting religious intolerance. This link will direct you to the History of Religious Intolerance in the United States. Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.

The Dangers of King James Onlyism - Another excellent article pointing out another example of Religious Intolerance. Backed by many references and skillfully written.

NOTE:

Mindset is a  very important aspect of our religion. Many similarities to the "mindset" of having accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior. We work actively to change the Mindset of the use of marijuana. Once the Divine Inheritance is used properly and in strict accordance with our Divine Laws, we have seen strong feelings begin to blossom within the hearts and minds of our congregation. Strong feelings of accountability and responsibility to our Mother Earth, our communities and our families. An undeniable calling to help all people irrespective of their Faith. People begin to understand in more profound ways exactly WHY we are here on this Earth in the first place, to live together in Peace and learn the lessons of our varied Faiths.