Believers nationwide look to current and former leaders of religious institutions like Ms. Taylor for guidance on basic ethical questions. When it comes to marijuana legalization, a major change has occurred under their watch. And it has sparked intense introspection for some faith leaders. They are weighing the damage the drug can do against the number of people, especially people of color, sent to prison because of it, and the benefits it can provide those in physical pain.
Polls suggest that public tolerance of the drug has gone mainstream, even in religious communities. A September survey by the Pew Research Center found that 67% of the 2,480 Americans asked spoke in favor of legalizing cannabis, up from 31% in 2000. The survey found a majority in favor among several religious denominations. Even evangelicals polled slightly in favor, with 50% saying yes and 49% no....