Church to recognise exorcisms

by PETER CHAPPLE

     THE CHURCH of Scotland is to officially recognise that exorcisms can be effective in delivering people from demonic possession. However, as a precautionary measure, it will stop short of creating an official rite of exorcism, saying that such a move would "do more harm than good and create unwarranted publicity and demand."

Instead, ministers should use "prayer, blessing and the ministry of healing".

The Church was warned by mental health campaigners last year that any official move to sanction exorcisms could increase the stigma associated with psychiatric illness.

Richard Norris from the Scottish Association of Mental Health said that Church talk of demons and exorcisms conjured up "disturbing" and "medieval" images, far removed from today's professional mental health care system.

However, the new recommendations came after a group was set up to address concerns within the Church of Scotland that members who felt "possessed" were not being given enough respect or help. The Deliverance Group discussed guidelines for ministers who encounter people who believe they are suffering from demonic possession.

In a Church survey of more than 1,000 parish ministers and hospital, mental health and prison chaplains, it was found that at least 6 out of 10 ministers had been approached for help by someone who believed they were possessed. Within prisons, that number jumped to 9 out of 10.

Additionally, the group found that more than 66 percent of ministers in the Church of Scotland "believe supernatural forces of evil exist today." According to the report, "some take the view that demons exist as an objective reality and can possess or influence people. Demons should be cast out by the power of Christ given to the Church."

But it adds:

"Others take the opposite view, namely that demons and Satan have no objective reality, and that those who believe themselves to be under supernatural power are deluded and should be referred to medical experts."

Only the Catholic Church currently has an official rite of exorcism, although such measures have been carried out by the Church of England in the past.