MEDFORD, Ore. — Oregon members of a Christian church based in Brazil are asking a federal judge to allow the use of a hallucinogenic tea during religious services.

The Church of the Holy Light of the Queen blends Christian theology with traditional indigenous religious beliefs from Brazil.

Church members also consume ayahuasca tea, made from Amazonian plants.

But federal agents seized a shipment of the disputed tea leaves in 1999.

Now the Ashland chapter of the church has gone to federal court to argue the tea should be allowed under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

A ruling is expected within 45 days.