Praise the Lord and Pass the Matches

(The Netherlands) On July 1st, smoking was banned in Dutch bars and cafes. On or about that date, the heavens apparently parted and a message from a higher being directed Michiel Eijsbouts to found a church devoted to the trinity of smoke, fire and ash to honor god.

The One and Universal Smokers Church of God was established.

Several dozen bars have joined the movement which claims the Dutch constitution and European rules give it legitimacy under the right to freedom of religion, the paper says.

People who join the church get a membership card entitling them to smoke inside the building.

According to Eijsbouts, the church takes smoking very seriously and members follow the faith very strictly.