Oakland, California – The Ritual Church of Community Ceremony, a renowned psychedelic church based in Oakland, is reeling from a distressing raid conducted by the Oakland Police Department (OPD) with the assistance of the US Marshal. This intrusive action, focused on the penthouse of the church’s esteemed pastor, raises serious questions about the validity of the arrest warrant used and the motives behind the seizure of their sacred sacraments.
On 5/20/24, the OPD, accompanied by the US Marshal, forcibly entered the penthouse of the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony’s revered pastor. Acting on what now appears to be a probable lie, the police obtained an arrest warrant that allowed them to seize the church’s sacred sacraments. These sacraments, deeply revered and utilized in their spiritual practices, were confiscated under the guise of alleged criminal activities.
The pastor has been unjustly targeted and charged with offenses that include cultivating spores and transporting spores, amongst other felonies. The OPD’s raid on the pastor’s penthouse, under the pretext of criminal activity, raises concerns about the integrity of the investigation and the potential violation of the pastor’s rights.
It is important to emphasize that the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony holds a steadfast belief in the protection of religious freedom. As an institution recognized under the Religious Freedom Act, the church’s practices, including the use of psychedelic sacraments, are safeguarded by law. The seizure of these sacraments, based on suspected falsehoods, casts doubt on the integrity of the actions taken by the OPD.
The OPD’s focus on the pastor’s penthouse, which serves as a place of spiritual guidance and sanctuary for the church’s members, is particularly troubling. This targeted approach not only damages the reputation of the pastor but also raises questions about the motivations behind the raid. It is essential that law enforcement agencies prioritize the allocation of resources to address pressing issues within the community, rather than engaging in actions that impede the freedom of religious expression.
The Ritual Church of Community Ceremony has a long-standing commitment to the well-being of its members and the wider community. Their compassionate programs, including initiatives for veterans and first responders, support for homeless encampments, and participation in local drives, demonstrate their dedication to community service. The raid on the pastor’s penthouse undermines the church’s ability to continue these vital initiatives and casts a shadow on their mission of promoting holistic well-being.
This raid not only affects the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony but also raises concerns about the broader psychedelic community and the future of plant medicine advocacy. The seizure of the church’s sacraments threatens the religious freedoms of its members and sends a chilling message to individuals seeking alternative healing modalities. It is crucial that the rights of religious and spiritual communities are respected and protected.
The Ritual Church of Community Ceremony calls upon its members, followers, and the psychedelic community at large to stand in solidarity against this infringement on religious freedom. They urge individuals to voice their concerns and support the church as it seeks justice and the restoration of its sacraments. It is their hope that through transparency and accountability, the truth will prevail, and the rights of religious institutions and individuals will be upheld.
The church remains resolute in its commitment to promoting spiritual growth, holistic well-being, and community service. They will continue to advocate for responsible and compassionate use of plant medicines, highlighting their potential to foster personal growth, healing, and societal well-being.