New York, NY (WFN) -- Hail Mary, got a light? A New York church is trying to skirt the smoking ban with the power of prayer.

Robert Porter, a reverend with the Universal Life Church, has founded a church based on followers who want to exorcise New York's ban on smoking in restaurants and bars because they claim it infringes on their religious rights.

Porter heads the so-called People United For Freedom (PUFF) even though he doesn't smoke. But he says, "I consider smoking tobacco as a sacrament just as the drinking of wine is in many Christian churches."

PUFF's 300 followers are now working to get restaurant and bar owners to allow them to hold fellowships in their facilities where the group can smoke more than Joan of Arc did.

Porter theorizes police won't be able stop them from smoking in public areas if they are holding religious vespers.

The classic way to spell word game fun is now the ultimate way to spell fast fun for the entire family. Create and manage your own successful farm with John Deere American Farmer. Grow your future in America's Heartland!

More Weird News From 2003-12-24 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • MERRY CHRISTMAS! • Bride-To-Be Sets Up Howard Dean Donation Registry • Celine Dion Billboard Makes Nevada Man's Dreams Come True • Pastor Fighting Porn With Midgets • Klingons Invade Schools To Teach Conflict Resolution • Smoke Them If You 'God' Them • Hollywood Needs One-Legged Stuntmen • Ballsy Man Testing Acting Boundaries • Artist Turns Pet Ashes Into Artwork • Terrorist's Ex-Love: 'Osama Bin Large'   « Current Weird News Stories