The Netherlands’ Chamber of Commerce recently acknowledged Pastafarianism by listing Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster as an official religious denomination. After a long and arduous journey that started in 2005, Pastafarians across the world celebrated this recent development, which was first announced by the Dutch Brand of Flying Spaghetti on its official website. It stated that the country’s Chamber of Commerce had finally recognized the church as a legal body. This also makes the Netherlands the first country in the world to do so.

Soon after the announcement, Pastafarians took to the streets to celebrate their newly acquired status. To communicate to the world that they had emerged victors, each Pastafarian wore a colander on his or her head.

Since Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is not viewed as a religion by most of its own followers, the term “denomination” seems to describe the organization more aptly. Pastafarians advocate in favor of religious unity and peaceful coexistence, with those at the top of the organization propagating a light-hearted approach towards viewing issues related to religious dogma.

After Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster was announced as an official denomination in the Netherlands, a spokesperson for the organization stressed that its mission continues to preach and uphold equality among all. Urging people to turn to Pastafarianism, the spokesperson explained that every person should do so only at his or her own will.

Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster has thousands of followers on Twitter, with torchbearers of the organization having already expressed gratitude to those who have showed support to them in any way.

“There is great hope for the denomination,” said the spokesperson.

Photo Credits: OpposingViews.com