| Summary |
This article gives an insightful look into a small church in New Mexico. The church, which is located in the small town of Las Vegas, is situated in a stunning and historic building from the 19th century. It is known for its traditional services, which involve local music and sermons. The article dives into the rich history of the church, particularly the way in which it has shaped the spiritual life of its community.
The church's history dates back to the early days of the town, when it was originally established in 1835. The church was built to accommodate the spiritual needs of the growing settlement. The building has remained in use through the centuries, and its architecture is characterized by a mixture of various styles, including Pueblo and Greek Revival.
Throughout its long history, the church has provided a place of sanctuary and spiritual community for the people of Las Vegas. It is a place where people can come together to share stories, pray, and worship. The church is also a source of comfort and support for those in need. The church ministers have made it their mission to serve their community and help those in need.
The church has also played an important role in preserving the local culture. It has maintained a strong connection to the local music and hospitality traditions, as well as promoting the local language, Spanish. This is a testament to the commitment the church has made to its community.
The article provides an in-depth look into the history of this small church in Las Vegas, New Mexico. It captures the unique spirit of the church and its commitment to preserving the local culture. The church is an integral part of the town and its people, providing a place of sanctuary and spiritual community. From its 19th-century architecture to its preservation of local culture and traditions, the church is truly a special place.
The Storied History of a Little Church in New Mexico
The little church of San José de Gracia, located in the Mora Valley of Northern New Mexico, has long been a point of pride for the locals. This adobe structure was built in 1878, the year in which the area was declared a historic district. Since then, the little church has been featured in numerous books, magazines and news articles for its unique characteristics on the Historic Register of New Mexico.Preserving the History of the Little Church
For well over a century, the locals have been proud to maintain the little church of San José de Gracia. This structure is still in good condition, even though it suffered a devastating fire in 1896. Through the efforts of the locals, the little church has been well preserved and is a testament to the deep religious convictions of the people of the Mora Valley.A Popular Tourist Attraction in New Mexico
Today the little church of San José de Gracia is a popular destination for tourists visiting New Mexico. It has become a source of pride for the locals, as well as a reminder of the deep religious convictions of the original settlers of the Mora Valley. It remains a popular destination for travelers from all over the world, who come to experience the beauty of this historic structure and the culture of this region.The Unique Features of the Little Church
The little church of San José de Gracia is remarkable for its unique features and architecture. The structure is made of adobe, and features an ornate façade with two tiled domes and a porch with multiple arches. Inside the church, visitors can view a collection of stained glass windows and an altar with a beautifully decorated interior.This time around, the question goes to the First Amendment rights of a handful of New Mexico citizens who count themselves members of a religious sect known as Uniao Do Vegetal, or UDV for short. As part of their semi-monthly ritual, they sip a small quantity of "hoasca," a liquid derivative of two Brazilian vines. The Department of Justice says the bitter drink is a controlled substance, a hallucinogen, forbidden by law.
Another law says the government may substantially burden a person's exercise of religion "only if it demonstrates that the burden is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest." In the case at hand, how compelling is "compelling"?
It appears from briefs on file at the court that the structured religion UDV, now protected by Brazilian law, was founded by a Brazilian rubber trapper in 1961. In its 8-5 opinion last year, the 10th Circuit identified the UDV as "a syncretic religion of Christian theology and indigenous South American beliefs." The sincerity of the faithful "is uncontested." The court explained:
"UDV uses hoasca, which in the Quechua Indian language means 'vine of the soul,' 'vine of the dead,' or 'vision vine,' as a link to the divinities, a holy communion, and a cure for ailments physical and psychological. Church doctrine holds that members can perceive and understand God only by drinking hoasca. Brazil, in which there are about 8,000 UDV members, recognizes UDV as a religion and exempts sacramental use of hoasca from its prohibited controlled substances."
The pending high-court case had its genesis in 1993, when Jeffrey Bronfman and others founded an American branch of the UDV in Santa Fe, N.M. The "tea" that is indispensable to their rituals is extracted from vines that cannot be grown in the United States. Six years ago, customs agents seized an incoming shipment of hoasca and threatened Bronfman with prosecution under the Controlled Substances Act. Last year Bronfman successfully invoked the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and won an injunction in the 10th Circuit to fend off government agents.
The government's petition to the Supreme Court is remarkable in its fire-alarm cry for reversal. The attorney general says the lower court "has forced the U.S. government into an ongoing violation of an international treaty." A majority of judges in the 10th Circuit have mandated that the federal government "open the nation's borders to the transportation, circulation and usage of a mind-altering hallucinogen." The injunction threatens to inflict "irreparable harm on international cooperation in combating transnational narcotics trafficking."
These dramatic consequences will be the result of "nothing more than prima facie allegations and the testimony of a few hired experts." The 10th Circuit's extraordinary decision "conflicts with the considered judgments of Congress and more than 160 other nations." It is "contrary both in outcome and legal analysis to the decision of every other court of appeals to address similar religion-based requests for exemption from the nation's drug laws."
The government's petition for appeal was filed on Feb. 10, only a week after Alberto Gonzales was sworn in as attorney general. He is a sensible fellow, not known for such hyperbolic spasms and heaves. It is difficult to believe that he sees this tiny congregation in New Mexico as a "significant threat to public health and safety," or that he regards hoasca as "so profoundly harmful that it is not safe for use even under medical supervision (let alone unregulated religious ceremonies)."
The First Amendment says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Granted, none of our constitutional rights is an absolute right. Like a right of free speech, the right to free exercise of religion may be restrained in the public interest. We cannot expect to avoid punishment for falsely crying "Fire!" in a crowded theater. A snake-handling sect in southwest Virginia could not evade a state law of general application.
In the case just granted review, we are talking about invoking the whole might and majesty of the government to prohibit the religious rituals of 130 communicants in New Mexico. There is a relevant maxim by which good judges are guided: De minimis non curat lex." The law will not bother with trifles. This case is no trifle. This case is an outrage.
(Letters to Mr. Kilpatrick should be sent by e-mail to kilpatjj@aol.com.)
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