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Humor, love, police a strange mix at Cannabis Church

Mark Alesia and Gabby Ferreira
Indianapolis officers abound in large numbers around the church property, before the First Church of Cannabis's inaugural service, on Wednesday July 1st, 2015. The church's new building is located at 3400 S. Rural St. on Indianapolis' Eastside.

A band pumped out Rick James' funky "Mary Jane," inspiring dancing in the aisles. Balloons were batted around in the pews. Ministers of Love, Music and Education were introduced to the congregants. The message on the offering envelopes read: "One Toke. One Smile. One Love."

There was even a comedian.

But for all the ways that Wednesday's neighborhood church service was not your typical religious gathering, the one thing that most sets this Southeastside church apart — the thing that has given this new church national, even international notoriety — was missing: marijuana.

At least officially.

The First Church of Cannabis made its debut on the day Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act became law. But the one-hour, 40-minute church service was held without any use of the illegal drug. Doing so could have led to not only arrests, but also an anticipated court battle to test the law meant to prevent government encroachment on religion.

Near the end of the service, after people recited the "Deity Dozen" — a sort of stoners' version of the Ten Commandments — church founder and Grand Poobah Bill Levin merely showed a "sacrament box" that would otherwise be used for marijuana. Instead, he puffed on his cigar, having previously announced that the church would pursue a civil lawsuit under RFRA, rather than take its chances in criminal court.

The service included many testimonials on the healing power of cannabis and why it should be legalized. Levin introduced his "Cannaterians" — the moniker for his congregants — to parts of what their new religious service entailed.

"We say three words five times," Levin said. "This is the best prayer on earth: 'I love you.'

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People repeated the words five times. At one point, Levin asked them to turn to the back of the church and tell the media that they loved them.

There was a heavy police presence, but officers appeared to have little to do, except for mild disputes outside between protesters and supporters of the church. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reported no arrests. A contingent from the group Cop Block, which documents police abuses, said it had nothing to report.

"IMPD's presence at today's event was to ensure that the laws set forth by the State of Indiana and the City of Indianapolis were adhered to, and to carry out the department's duty to ensure the safety of all individuals and community members," said a statement from chief Rick Hite. "Overall, today's event was very civil and peaceful and culminated with zero arrests or any other law enforcement action by IMPD."

Some Church of Cannabis members, however, were upset that Wednesday morning just happened to be the time an Indianapolis Power & Light Co. truck arrived to install a surveillance camera on an electrical pole near the church.

For blocks around the church, which is in a residential area, there were IMPD "no parking" signs and lots of yellow tape put up by residents to keep people from parking on their property. Police said they were merely enforcing an existing law prohibiting parking on a street less than 24 feet wide. The comedian who spoke said he wanted to thank police for the cardio workout to get to the church service.

Emerson Ottinger was among the neighborhood residents adamantly opposed to the Church of Cannabis. He gave away water bottles with Bible verses on them. He also had a sign with a Bible verse: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Said Ottinger of his concerns, "They get going and they get that little high, all of a sudden they're breaking in and stealing all your stuff. We know (Levin has) been lobbying Downtown for years for marijuana. Everything he's done has failed. We're praying that this will be another failure as well."

At least one person in the neighborhood said he supported the church by offering parking on his property. Randy Fields charged $5.

"The cops told me I should have charged $20," he said. "But $20? Come on."

The church mixed humor into the event. Laughing is part of the "Deity Dozen." Knowing how many curious people would be passing by and taking photos, a lawn sign said "Scenic photo site" — with a drawing of a marijuana leaf. The church had a Kool-Aid stand outside. People were given "holy roller" rolling papers.

At the home of Janna and Emerson Ottinger, located behind the First Church of Cannabis, signs promoting Christianity were posted on Wednesday July 1, 2015. The church's first services will be held later in the day in the building, located at 3400 S. Rural St.

Two food trucks were parked outside the church. There was merchandise for sale at the table. Church of Cannabis tank tops were $20. Stickers were $2.

The first half-hour of the service was basically a concert. A harmonica/guitar player opened with "Amazing Grace." The band then played songs, such as "Mary Jane" and "Mary Jane's Last Dance" by Tom Petty.

"I wish all churches could be like this," said Mark Thalls, New Castle. "People actually want to be here. I hope (critics) realize that we're not much different than they are, if you're basing your cause on love."

"Ushers" handled security politely. At the front door, where they screened people entering the building, one said, "If Snoop Dogg shows up, let him in." Inside the church, it appeared as if there were as many media as Cannaterians. The 10 rows of pews separated by an aisle were filled.

About five minutes before the scheduled start of the noon service, fire marshals entered the sanctuary, raising the prospect of the service ending because of some kind of code violation. That didn't happen, and the marshals waited in the church lobby during the service.

During the service, protesters from the Church of Acts held signs in the street. During one of the confrontations, a supporter of the Cannabis church told Church of Acts Pastor Bill Jenkins, "Well, you serve alcohol at your services, don't you?"

An American flag covered a window behind the altar that used to allow people to see a baptismal pool. It was unclear what or who the Cannaterians were worshipping amid the many proclamations of the primacy of love and celebrating life. At one point, Levin bowed his head at what sounded like a prayer, but it was more a statement of devotion to cannabis.

Levin had said two weeks ago that he was sorting through several offers from reality TV show producers, but none was present. He was unsure when his attorneys would file a civil lawsuit. He did, however, file a tort claim Wednesday against Hite. Levin alleged that Hite defamed him by comparing him to cult leader Jim Jones in a news conference last week.

In the end, Levin basked in the joy of the Cannaterians. The church's next service is at 7 p.m. next Wednesday. Levin said the possible use of marijuana would depend on what happens in court.

"I'm not a criminal," he said. "I'm a religious figure."

Contact Star reporter Mark Alesia at (317) 444-6311. Follow him on Twitter: @markalesia.