Psychedelic substances have a strong potential to occasion mystical-type experiences that have a profound impact on people’s lives. They have also been found to alter metaphysical beliefs and incline people to adopt a non-physicalist worldview. Accordingly, many people have speculated that psychedelic use may have been at the origins of religious movements across the world. However, many contemporary religious communities are opposed to the idea of using mind-altering substances and have strong attitudes against the use of psychedelics. Since first-hand experience with psychedelics can have a mitigating effect on negative attitudes against psychedelics, the following question arises: 

How do psychedelic experiences affect religious believers’ attitudes towards psychedelics and their worldviews?  

This study exploited a unique opportunity to gather quantitative and qualitative data from a group of Anglican priests who participated in a psychedelic retreat. We assessed their attitudes, beliefs, worldviews, and experiences before and after participating in a psilocybin truffle ceremony, using a pre-post survey and a semi-structured interview. The results are explorative and descriptive in nature, aiming to provide a first exploration of psychedelic-related themes and effects on the religious leaders’ worldviews and attitudes.  

Note: At the time of this submission (15/01/2024), the study is within the data analysis phase. As such, no results nor conclusions can be provided yet. We can provide initial results by April 1.