Common questions, plainly.
If a question we should have answered is missing from this page, email bobby@trainingties.com and we will add it. The list below is organized roughly in the order we get asked.
Q.Is the Observance of the Sun a real religion?
Yes. We are incorporated in California as a nonprofit religious corporation (Entity B20260038755), hold EIN 41-3900081, and the IRS organization record identifies the organization type as Church. IRS guidance generally provides that churches meeting §501(c)(3) requirements are not required to apply for a determination letter.
Q.Is this a cult?
No. We have no membership requirement, no doctrinal test, no required donations, no central authority who controls members, and no proprietary information you must pay to learn. The practice is free, the doctrine is public, and you can leave or never join without consequence. Those are the standard distinguishing features.
Q.Do I have to believe anything to practice?
No. The Observance does not require belief in anything supernatural. You do not have to believe the Sun is divine. You only have to do the practice and notice what happens.
Q.What is the cannabis sacrament?
Cannabis is recognized as an optional sacrament for adult practitioners, governed by the principle of restraint. It is never required. If it sharpens your attention during the practice, use it intentionally. If it dulls your attention, the practice is better served by your sobriety. The full doctrine on the sacrament is the place to read more.
Q.How is this different from the First Church of Cannabis?
First Church of Cannabis (Indiana, founded 2015 by Bill Levin) centers cannabis as its primary sacrament and theological focus. The Observance centers the practice of watching the sunrise or sunset. Cannabis appears in our doctrine only as an optional aid, governed by restraint, and never required. The practical posture is the opposite — we are a religion that recognizes cannabis carefully, not a religion built around it.
Q.How do I support the Observance?
The practice is free. If you want to support public resources, gatherings, and stewardship, the homepage lists the currently active monthly Stripe options. Giving is voluntary and creates no special status or access. The Observance does not provide individual tax advice. See support options →
Q.Where are gatherings held?
We are building a small network of borrowed coastal spaces on the San Diego coast — Encinitas, Cardiff, Del Mar, La Jolla. We do not own property. If you have coastal access and would consider lending it for an occasional sunrise or sunset gathering, the gatherings page is the place to start.
Q.Do you want to convert me from my current religion?
No. The Observance does not seek converts and does not ask practitioners to abandon other religious traditions. People practice the Observance alongside Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, atheism, and every other framework they brought with them. The practice does not require you to give anything up.
Q.Who is the founder?
Bobby Morong, based on the San Diego coast. He founded the Observance in January 2026. He can be reached directly at bobby@trainingties.com and reads everything that comes in himself. Full bio.
Q.Why does the founder use a Training Ties email address?
Bobby also runs Training Ties, a direct-to-consumer apparel and sensory-products brand. His Training Ties email is the most reliable way to reach him and predates the Observance. A dedicated observanceofthesunchurch@outlook.com address exists and will be in fuller use as the organization grows.