This episode: Pete's exploration of world faiths takes a bizarre turn in Latin America. He smokes cigars with Saint Death in Mexico, ventures deep into a Bolivian mine to meet a terrifying god of the underworld and takes a mind-expanding natural hallucinogen with a New Age community in the forests of Brazil. In this episode Pete discovers how the centuries-old dominance of the Catholic Church has been challenged by a huge explosion of new religions and the re-emergence of dormant practices from the past. His search to understand the diverse spiritualities of the New World proves to be a testing experience. Pete encounters the radical methods of an influential Pentecostal preacher in one of Rio de Janeiro's most notorious prisons, and has to hold his nerve when the minister tries to exorcise Pete's demons. He travels to the shores of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and dances to the top of a sacred hill with local Shaman as part of an annual llama sacrifice. In Brasilia he witnesses the strange pageantry of a UFO worshipping cult, where a mediumistic reading gets out of control and dark forces seem to be brought down from the spirit world. Faith 61: Roman Catholicism in Mexico: Attends Midnight Mass at the basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico City, Mexico -- Faith 62: Roman Catholic Church: Witnesses prayers to Santa Muerte, Barrio de Tepito, Mexico City. Also sees devotee of Santa Muerte being tattooed. -- Faith 63: El Tio: Witnesses offerings to a mine god at Cerro Rico mine, Potosi, Bolivia -- Faith 64: Pachamama: Witnesses llama sacrifice on hill above Sampaya, Bolivia -- Faith 65: Roman Catholic Church: Automobile blessing outside the basilica of the Virgen de la Candelaria, Copacabana, Bolivia -- Faith 66: Pentecostalism: Cleansing and exorcism of prisoners at Benfica detention centre, Leopoldina, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by Assemblies of God minister. Minister later exorcises Owen-Jones in attempt to stop him smoking. -- Faith 67: Candomblé: Witnesses Samba Day celebrations and orixa possession -- Faith 68: Temple of Goodwill. Meditation at a pyramid shaped temple in Brasilia -- Faith 69: Valley of Dawn: Takes part in the Vale do Amanhecer ritual, a spirit reading, at location near Planaltina, Brazil which proves to be a nerve-wrecking experience. -- Faith 70: Santo Daime: Takes part in Ayahuasca service where participants drink powerful substance that is said to induce a higher state of consciousness and reveal aspects of an individual's inner divine self. Location: Ceu do Mapia, State of Acre, Brazil [Info from Wikipedia entry]

Pete Owen Jones presents the definitive guide to faith on earth, with eighty rituals across six continents in the space of a year.