The Native American Church's struggle to survive in the face of a constitutional attack on their fundamental religious freedom was the original inspiration for this book. It's centerpiece is the eloquent personal testimony of Native American Church members,who speak of their faith and the profound meaning of the church in their lives. The dramatic legal storm that swirled around these people is described in detail. Looking beyond non-Indian biases and misconceptions, the contributing authors offer an intimate portrait of the church itself, its leadership, religious beliefs and practices, and the long-accepted sacrament of peyote.