Clerics on Drug Policy: Religious Leaders Speak Out

The Interfaith Drug Policy Initiative and Common Sense for Drug Policy's new short film "Clergy Against the War on Drugs" does not offer scandalous footage of religious leaders using drugs, or advocating drug use, as prohibitionist advocates might wish to claim. What it does capture is a number of clergy from different religions and denominations offering their insightful views on the War on Drugs. These courageous community leaders have stepped forward to challenge the way our society deals with drug problems and to offer their experiences working with those who fall victim to these counterproductive and de-humanizing policies. It is truly inspiring to see religious leaders taking a stand and engaging in intelligent and humane discussions regarding our failed drug policies. This film not only shows clergy taking on political cowardice, the prison-industrial complex, the inequities of justice offered to drug offenders based on race and class, and other crucial aspects of the Drug War, it also shows them discussing the very real effects of this war on their own communities. "Clergy Against the War on Drugs" is compelling, honest and revealing. These women and men of various denominations demonstrate a keen understanding of the negative impact on community relations with law enforcement, and how prohibition's black market exacerbates problems and allows drugs to be sold to children. For those who would assume that representatives from communities of faith are too socially conservative or squeamish to take an enlightened stance on drug policy reform, watching this film will be quite a surprise. In reality, they are following in the proud tradition of Gandhi, the Rev. King, Dorothy Day, Oscar Romero, and numerous other religious leaders who were led by their faith to radical social activism. As an aside, I would add that when considering religious perspectives on drugs, we should remember that other traditions have equally valid positions on the issue. It is unfortunate that the voices of Rastafarians, members of the Native American Church, and some Hindu sects, to name a few, are often not heard or taken seriously in the debate on drugs. Instead, their claims of spiritual elevation using intoxicants are often disrespected and their ceremonies often unprotected by law. The Christian and Jewish leaders in the IDPI video who are speaking out for change should be commended for their courage and compassion. One of the most valuable lessons offered by "Clergy Against the War on Drugs" is the simple truth that the drug policy reform movement is not a movement of libertarians, economists, drug users, Latin American activists or any other niche group. It is a movement of all kinds of concerned citizens who want a more rational, compassionate way of dealing with a social problem than waging yet another war.