I have to say this is a very well written article. I am a member (Fardado) at a Santo Daime church and a Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Practitioner. My writing about my experiences with Santo Daime have also been published into peer review. You have done an excellent job here at identifying the risks inherent in psychedelic churches as well as offering sound solutions and wise suggestions. I think it is worth emphasizing that there are lines of Santo Daime churches that forbid the use of cannabis and that the use of cannabis in ceremony is seen as a major contributor to the ethical decay of churches and leaders in the ICEFLU line. For what it's worth, I heard about almost every detail of this article by word of mouth from the leadership in my church. I heard of cautionary examples of abuse of power and character worship in other churches from the 2nd time I attended, being discussed openly for all to hear, long before I became a member. Trustworthy communities do not conceal accounts of ethical failure, they use them as teaching opportunities to keep their attendees safe and informed of the very serious risks associated with psychedelic spiritual practice. I am very grateful to have acquired my ethical training as a therapist BEFORE entering the world of psychedelic medicine because it makes the fallacies which enable abusive leaders to thrive so obvious, as does your reporting on this story. I especially respect that you made the article available to daimistas for free for a brief period after release. It shows your heart is in the right place! One piece of clarification, Mestre Ireneui did not technically found the religion. He always said he was Catholic and he formed an approach to healing through the Daime (ayahuasca made in his way). The religion was formally founded and named after his death. Thanks again for such good coverage of something so important to me.
I have a sibling who is deeply involved in the Santo Daime church and who is often seated close to the center table. My sibling looks up to Paolo with reverence. I have indeed have heard every single one of these retorts when attempting to create some accountability, particularly the notion of bad spirits at work (pomba giras especially). I would argue that even beyond what was mentioned, there is an incentive in the spiritual ritual itself to endear oneself to the church leader...you get closer and closer to the circle and the altar, more central to the "current," the more dedicated you are. This dedication is often based on your devotion to the church leaders. As someone who believes in forgiveness, I would suggest that: 1. Someone has to actually ask for forgiveness and note that they have done something that warrants forgiveness. I see no such acknowledgement; 2. Forgiveness doesn't mean restoring someone to their former status.
this is why I still can't loan my trust to any formally organized religious institution. and why I refuse to view psychedelic experience as having an intrinsic property to catalyze religious transcendence. Too many people are simply not true to the game.
I have to say this is a very well written article. I am a member (Fardado) at a Santo Daime church and a Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Practitioner. My writing about my experiences with Santo Daime have also been published into peer review. You have done an excellent job here at identifying the risks inherent in psychedelic churches as well as offering sound solutions and wise suggestions. I think it is worth emphasizing that there are lines of Santo Daime churches that forbid the use of cannabis and that the use of cannabis in ceremony is seen as a major contributor to the ethical decay of churches and leaders in the ICEFLU line. For what it's worth, I heard about almost every detail of this article by word of mouth from the leadership in my church. I heard of cautionary examples of abuse of power and character worship in other churches from the 2nd time I attended, being discussed openly for all to hear, long before I became a member. Trustworthy communities do not conceal accounts of ethical failure, they use them as teaching opportunities to keep their attendees safe and informed of the very serious risks associated with psychedelic spiritual practice. I am very grateful to have acquired my ethical training as a therapist BEFORE entering the world of psychedelic medicine because it makes the fallacies which enable abusive leaders to thrive so obvious, as does your reporting on this story. I especially respect that you made the article available to daimistas for free for a brief period after release. It shows your heart is in the right place! One piece of clarification, Mestre Ireneui did not technically found the religion. He always said he was Catholic and he formed an approach to healing through the Daime (ayahuasca made in his way). The religion was formally founded and named after his death. Thanks again for such good coverage of something so important to me.
Thanks Brodin! Appreciate your perspective. Best wishes Jules
I have a sibling who is deeply involved in the Santo Daime church and who is often seated close to the center table. My sibling looks up to Paolo with reverence. I have indeed have heard every single one of these retorts when attempting to create some accountability, particularly the notion of bad spirits at work (pomba giras especially). I would argue that even beyond what was mentioned, there is an incentive in the spiritual ritual itself to endear oneself to the church leader...you get closer and closer to the circle and the altar, more central to the "current," the more dedicated you are. This dedication is often based on your devotion to the church leaders. As someone who believes in forgiveness, I would suggest that: 1. Someone has to actually ask for forgiveness and note that they have done something that warrants forgiveness. I see no such acknowledgement; 2. Forgiveness doesn't mean restoring someone to their former status.
Where would I find out more about the Miami Santo Daime church? Googled but didn’t find much. If anyone has their contact, please DM me.
And as usual, great writing and reporting! I learned so much.
this is why I still can't loan my trust to any formally organized religious institution. and why I refuse to view psychedelic experience as having an intrinsic property to catalyze religious transcendence. Too many people are simply not true to the game.