Church of Body Modification Controversy [PHOTOS/ VIDEO]



Church of Body Modification controversy in N.C.

Ariana Iacono, a 14-year old student at Clayton High School in North Carolina, claims she is a member of the “Church of Body Modification” and that the piercing that got her suspended is a religious symbol.

Ariana has a nose piercing, not a huge septum ring or anything, just a small, crystal stud, but Clayton High School has a strict policy against piercings, no matter what they are. But the school may be facing a bit of controversy after Ariana and her mother claim that they are members of the Church of Body Modification, a newly formed “church” that recognizes tattoos, piercings, and the likes, as a means of spiritual expression.

Clayton High School’s policy does exclude religious and cultural body jewelry, however they are not recognizing the Church of Body Modification as a legitimate religion being as Ariana is still at home, suspended. The principal of the school explained to Ariana’s mother, Nikki Iacono, that he had educated himself on the Church of Modification and found that the piercing was not necessary to practice their “religion.”

Ariana spoke with ABC, and the teenager feels that the school should not tell her what is and what is not proper practice of the Church of Body Modification. She said: “I don’t think it’s fair that he can determine what’s necessary for our religion, for me and my beliefs.”

Personally, I get that people like tattoos, piercings and body modification, but a “church”? Really? I know this isn’t Buddhism we are talking about here, but I recall a Buddhist friend once telling me that piercings were bad for the flow of energy in the body. I’m definitely not being judgmental here, trust, I have plenty of tattooed and pierced friends, but I think the Church of Body Modification should be an interest group, not a religion. I think it’s pushing the envelope. I mean, where does it stop? Next thing you know, there will be the Church of Smoking Weed. Heh. If there isn’t one already… This is the day and age we are in though. People pushing boundaries and testing limitations.

Your thoughts on the matter? Should the Church of Body modification be recognized as a religion?

[Photo:  Church of Body Modifications website]

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  • Joanna

    There are people who use marijuana as their religious sacrament

  • ella

    Yeah because a carpenter who’s the miraculously conceived son of god and a married “virgin” isn’t stupid.

  • simplycommenting

    actually, i could care less what anyone calls religion. Go ahead, make your body into swiss cheese. The question should be asked: why have religion inside schools? Forget the “because of your religious practices”. No religion = no issues. Why not be intolerant of everyone equally? schools are for learning, not for showing off your personality/religion/clothing styles.

    this is why I dropped out of becoming a teacher and moved into the medical field.

  • http://themacondirectory.com macon church

    Don;t have a problem with tattoos but not sure it belongs in church

  • http://www.blackpoolbeachview.co.uk vinegartits

    Religion has no place in schools or government of any kind. In order for all religions to have equality the state must remain secular and impartial. I personally have no problem with anyone worshipping anyone or thing they choose as long as they accept that I believe they are delusional. Religion is a choice (unlike race, gender or sexuality) and therefore it should entitle nobody to any special rights because of it.

  • nikkishere

    However schools allow Muslim head coverings, Christian crosses, and allow students to possess religious texts, allow for personal religious prayer or reflection during non educational times. Just because a student attends a public school does not mean that they need to put aside their first amendment rights at the door. The Church of Body Modification is a known entity just because other people disapprove or think it silly has no bearing on that fact. No I am not a member of it or any other religious group as I do not subscribe to any religion organized or other, but as a member of this country of supposed FREEDOM I will stand up for other people’s rights, let the girl keep her tiny tiny piercing for her PERSONAL religious relationship with her higher power or whatever spiritual doctrine she lives by. Give it a rest people we live in America remember THE MELTING POT, this doesn’t mean just the colors of our skin or the countries of our ancestors it encompasses religions as well.












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