NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH

Native American Church: translation

Founded in Oklahoma in 1918 and creatively fusing elements recognizable from earlier indigenous religious traditions and movements ofNorth AmericaandCentralAmerica(especially those of theHuicholor Wixáritari) with elements ofChristianity, the Native American Church attracts adherents from manyNative Americannations in both urban and reservation locations. It is sometimes described as “peyotism” because of the sacramental use ofpeyotebuttons inpurificationand prayer. This is not to be confused with an encouragement of “psychedelic experience,” hedonism, oraltered states of consciousnessfor their own sake. The church’sritualteachings and practices are allied to a strong ethical and communal focus. Peyote is important as anotherthanhuman personandhelper, sometimes identified with Jesus Christ, who aids people to restore respectful relationships and live appropriately (including without addiction to alcohol). Peyote is valued more for opening the “heart,” that is, as an inspirer of love and compassion, and the stomach, as apurifying purgative, than for any hallucinatory effects. The main ritualist or “road man” is sometimes compared to a shaman in the way he leads and serves his community. In rituals, the road man is supported by a number of other important officials, but all members of a local group are expected to participate fully in night-long meetings in which everyone is a participant rather than an observer. Thus, the church provides another example of a democratized form of shamanism, typical of Native America more generally.