Meet the psychedelic Christians
Some Christian clergy in the United States are exploring the intersection of psychedelic experiences and faith, viewing substances like psilocybin as potential tools for spiritual growth. Figures such as Reverend Megan Holloway and Hunt Priest report profound religious experiences during psychedelic use, which they integrate into their pastoral work. This movement seeks to bridge mental health, spirituality, and religious practice in a changing cultural landscape.
- ▪Reverend Megan Holloway, an Episcopal priest, began growing psychedelic mushrooms during the pandemic after reading Michael Pollan’s book on psychedelics and spirituality.
- ▪Hunt Priest, an Episcopal minister, participated in a Johns Hopkins study where 96% of religious leaders ranked their psilocybin experience among the top five most significant spiritual events of their lives.
- ▪Priest later founded Ligare, a nonprofit aimed at connecting Christian communities, mental health advocates, and the psychedelic movement.
- ▪The psychedelic experiences reported by clergy often resemble Pentecostal-style encounters, including deep, embodied feelings of the Holy Spirit.
- ▪Progressive religious leaders are increasingly advocating for the responsible integration of psychedelics into spiritual and therapeutic contexts.
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Meet the psychedelic Christians ‘It was my first deep, embodied experience of the Holy Spirit.’ Statue of lord Jesus in a light motion background. (partha dalal photography/Getty) Statue of lord Jesus in a light motion background. (partha dalal photography/Getty) GenesisMagic MushroomsPentecostalismpsilocybinSpiritualityThe GospelsTrauma Kevin E G Perry May 2 2026 - 12:10am 10 mins Reverend Megan Holloway is an unlikely psychonaut. An Episcopal priest and clinical social worker, she has a calm, sensible demeanor that has served her well as the chaplain of a college preparatory school.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at UnHerd.
