What happens during the night-long peyote ceremony of the Native American Church?

It is inaccurate and derogatory to label the Native American Church a "drug cult." The church is a legitimate, widespread indigenous religious movement that incorporates the sacramental use of peyote to facilitate communion with the divine, emphasizing spiritual power, healing, and a moral code known as the "Peyote Road."1

The all-night ceremony typically begins around 8:00 PM on Saturday inside a tepee, centered around a crescent-shaped earthen altar and a sacred fire. Led by a "chief," the ritual includes the following elements:

• Sacramental Consumption: Participants eat peyote to enable contemplation and communion with God and spirits.1
• Devotional Acts: The service incorporates prayer, singing, and contemplation.1
• Water Rites: Specific water-related rituals are performed during the night.1
• Conclusion: The ceremony ends on Sunday morning with a communal breakfast.1

The practice is rooted in a belief system that combines indigenous traditions with Christian elements, promoting values such as brotherly love, family responsibility, and the avoidance of alcohol.1