A legally recognized religion in the United States. Members believe that body modification such as piercing, tattooing, scarification and branding are ways to spiritually reflect and grow. The real reason behind its creation and consequences thereof?

It turns bod mod into a legally protected activity for employees since it's an expression of their faith. So get that labret and wear it proudly, for no one shall be able to fire you for it. At least that's the idea. I wonder if it'll hold up in court: there's precedent both ways.

Membership is a requested $50, I believe. However, the people behind this are pretty trustworthy: Steve Haworth, now a Reverend, and the people behind BMEZine. I think these are people you can trust to do The Right Thing, and many of them truly do feel that modification of the body is a spiritual experience. It may be found at http://www.churchofbodmod.org/

Originally created to legally protect the various practices of body modification in Canada and the United States, the Church of Body Modification has expanded to offer a genuine spiritual outlet for those who feel such urges. Members of the Church are legally protected while performing such activities as piercing, tattooing, suspensions, firewalking, and CBT. Practitioners of these activities are considered ministers of the Church and their modification activities are considered religious ceremonies.

Members of the Canadian Church are not required to denounce any other beliefs they may have about the supernatural, but the church does hold true that body modification is "one of the safest and most societally responsible ways to stay spiritually healthy and whole".

Membership in the Church is free, however, you cannot join merely to protect your job. Donations are requested to meet the financial costs of the organization.

Branches of the Church in different countries are distinct entities, and there has in fact been a bit of animosity between the Canadian and American branches. There are also known branches in the United Kingdom and Finland.

The Church as of now is still struggling to become more than its origins as a legal loophole, and the current power struggles within both the Canadian and American branches are probably far from over.