What Is RFRA?
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. § 2000bb) prohibits the federal government from substantially burdening a person's sincere exercise of religion unless the government demonstrates a compelling interest and uses the least restrictive means of furthering that interest.
RFRA applies to federal law — including federal drug law — and has been the basis for multiple courts recognizing the right of sincere religious organizations to use otherwise controlled substances as sacraments in the context of their religious practice.
Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal (2006)
In 2006, the United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal (546 U.S. 418) that the government could not prohibit a small religious community from importing and consuming hoasca — a tea containing DMT — as a sacrament. The Court held that RFRA required the government to demonstrate a compelling interest and use the least restrictive means, and that the government had not met that burden.
This ruling established binding precedent that courts apply when evaluating RFRA claims by religious organizations whose sacramental practices involve otherwise controlled substances.
How ECC Documents Its Religious Character
[Brett to fill: describe how ECC documents its sincere religious character — IRS 501(c)(3) recognition, statement of beliefs, membership process, ceremony records, ongoing community practices, doctrinal materials, etc. This section is compliance-load-bearing; Brett should draft with legal counsel input.]
What RFRA Protects — and What It Does Not
RFRA protects sincere religious exercise. Courts evaluate sincerity based on the facts: does the organization have a genuine religious character, consistent practices, spiritual gatekeeping, and documentation that predates any legal scrutiny?
[Brett to fill: add 2–3 sentences on what RFRA does NOT protect — purely therapeutic use without religious character, open enrollment with no spiritual gatekeeping, secular framing of the practice. Cite the relevant legal standard without making legal guarantees.]
Our Organizational Status
Earth Connection Community is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt religious organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Statement of Beliefs and governing documents articulate the theological and doctrinal basis for our practice.