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Why they have to sue the republic of Cannuckistan is beyond me. I thought they handed out the marijuana in every elementary school and city hall for free up there. THIS is an affront to Christ.
Only in our Godless colony to the north can drug pushers make a claim to be a religion. Revolting. 
Church ministers sue Ottawa for pot privileges
Church leaders who believe it's their religious right to smoke marijuana have launched a multi-million dollar class-action lawsuit against federal officials.
The lawsuit alleges the federal government is breaching the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is claiming $9,000 worth of damages for the estimated 4,000 church members it represents. It also seeks $25 million in punitive damages.
Rev. Edwin Pearson and Rev. Michel Ethier, along with lay preacher James Hoad, filed the statement of claim with the Federal Court of Canada alleging that members of the Church of the Universe are constantly being harassed and "denuded" of their dignity as they are often searched and stripped of their "sacramental cannabis."
Ethier has been convicted of marijuana possession six times since 1998.
"The Defendants (acted) in misfeasance of their office by seeking and obtaining convictions, the imposition of fines, imprisonment, or both fines and imprisonment of class members," states the claim, which was filed on Aug. 2.
"(Their action) has inflicted mental anguish upon the class members and denuded the Church and its parishioners of equal dignity in communities where they reside and worship," it says.
The lawsuit also argues that cannabis is used in the sacrament of Communion and is therefore a part of the Church's rituals.
It says ministers have a duty to teach parishioners about using marijuana to enhance their ability to understand and speak with God.
It also claims followers of the Church of the Universe are not treated equally with followers of Christianity or Judaism as those religions are allowed to use alcohol in some of their religious ceremonies without repercussions.
According to their website, they have gone before a judge several times to defend their use of the drug, fighting on grounds the prohibition violates their human rights.
Marijuana is the key to being closer to God, according to the Church's website. Here are some of their fundamental beliefs:
Church leaders who believe it's their religious right to smoke marijuana have launched a multi-million dollar class-action lawsuit against federal officials.
The lawsuit alleges the federal government is breaching the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is claiming $9,000 worth of damages for the estimated 4,000 church members it represents. It also seeks $25 million in punitive damages.
Rev. Edwin Pearson and Rev. Michel Ethier, along with lay preacher James Hoad, filed the statement of claim with the Federal Court of Canada alleging that members of the Church of the Universe are constantly being harassed and "denuded" of their dignity as they are often searched and stripped of their "sacramental cannabis."
Ethier has been convicted of marijuana possession six times since 1998.
"The Defendants (acted) in misfeasance of their office by seeking and obtaining convictions, the imposition of fines, imprisonment, or both fines and imprisonment of class members," states the claim, which was filed on Aug. 2.
"(Their action) has inflicted mental anguish upon the class members and denuded the Church and its parishioners of equal dignity in communities where they reside and worship," it says.
The lawsuit also argues that cannabis is used in the sacrament of Communion and is therefore a part of the Church's rituals.
It says ministers have a duty to teach parishioners about using marijuana to enhance their ability to understand and speak with God.
It also claims followers of the Church of the Universe are not treated equally with followers of Christianity or Judaism as those religions are allowed to use alcohol in some of their religious ceremonies without repercussions.
According to their website, they have gone before a judge several times to defend their use of the drug, fighting on grounds the prohibition violates their human rights.
Marijuana is the key to being closer to God, according to the Church's website. Here are some of their fundamental beliefs:
- Church members are required to use marijuana, which they call God's Tree of Life, as a sacrament in their lives and worship.
- Church members are encouraged to surround themselves with marijuana, not just inhaling it, but wearing it, growing it, writing on it, eating it, etc.
- Clergy are mandated to wear head gear such as turbans or yarmulkes.
- Ministers of the Church of the Universe can also facilitate the needs of their members, with marriages, baptisms and funerals. Basic to these events, however, is the experience provided by sacramental cannabis use.
- Members of the Church of the Universe are required to seek social communion and personal transcendence through solitary or group sacramental cannabis use whenever they personally feel it is appropriate to their spiritual development and connection with higher spirit.
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