Psilocybin Study with Clergy: Transformative Spiritual Impact

In a groundbreaking clinical study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and NYU, 24 religious leaders from diverse faith traditions—including Christian ministers, Catholic priests, rabbis, a Zen Buddhist, and a Muslim leader—underwent guided psilocybin sessions in a controlled therapeutic setting. This study aimed to explore how deeply spiritual individuals, many of whom had never previously used psychedelics, would respond to a psilocybin experience designed to enhance self-awareness, compassion, and spiritual connection.

The findings were remarkable. Over 90% of participants described their experience as one of the most spiritually significant of their lives, often ranking it alongside the birth of a child or a profound religious moment. Many participants reported a direct sense of the divine—described variously as a feminine presence, a universal intelligence, or a profound silence. This encounter often transcended their existing theology while deepening their personal faith. The setting—featuring curated music, supportive guides, and intentional introspection—was integral to the outcomes.

Even more compelling were the long-term benefits. Sixteen months after their sessions, clergy reported increased authenticity in their spiritual leadership, renewed commitment to their vocation, and enhanced empathy and connection with their communities. Many spoke of a sustained sense of unity, purpose, and emotional clarity that reshaped their religious practice and personal worldview.

The study’s principal investigator, the late Dr. Roland Griffiths, noted that these results suggest psilocybin, when used responsibly and with spiritual intent, may offer a powerful tool for personal transformation—even among those already deeply committed to spiritual life.

Critically, the study also raised questions. Some ethicists voiced concern about priming participants with expectations of transcendence, while others worried about the cultural implications of psychedelic substances entering mainstream religious discourse. Nevertheless, the study was praised for its rigor, careful design, and potential to broaden our understanding of the mystical experience.

This research has contributed significantly to the growing field of psychedelic science and interfaith dialogue. It invites religious communities to consider new ways of approaching mystical experience, not as something confined to doctrine or scripture, but as something that can be encountered personally, directly, and profoundly—with the right preparation and intention.

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📖 Source: Griffiths, R., et al. (2025). “Clergy and Psilocybin: A Longitudinal Study on Spiritual Experience.” Psychedelic Medicine.
🔗 Michael Pollan’s article on the study in The New Yorker