Anglican Exorcisms

Hola amigos!

I created this thread so that we can discuss all things exorcism related.

A few questions specifically:

How do Anglican exorcisms work?

Does TEC have exorcists?

How many exorcists are in every diocese (estimate/what do you think)

Is there a ordination for exorcists?

Can any priest do an exorcism?

Hope to see some replies on this thread

 

In the early church, specific people were ordained for the role of exorcist. This carried over into the undivided Church and eventually the Roman and Eastern Churches until recently. However, they did not engage in exorcism since perhaps the age of Constantine? I'm not sure about the date on that bit, but it has been a great time since ordained exorcists actually performed exorcisms.

Theoretically, any priest can do an exorcism. Canon law forbids any old priest from doing it without the permission of their Bishop, who usually has some kind of policy to ensure that it isn't some other issue at hand (mental illness, et cetera). A good example of a minor exorcism done on a regular basis is the Exorcism of the Water in the rite for Holy Baptism.

 

I know that, in the Anglican Church of Canada and the Church of England, each diocese has an exorcist appointed and a liturgy devised to handle anyone requesting an exorcism. Usually, after an examination of mental health and other factors in a person's life, a priest or minister will visit the individual and follow the liturgy and then immediately after finishing, continue on to say Mass/Holy Communion.

The bishops of the ACNA have yet to publish any official rite of exorcism, however, I am aware of a movement to get the ball rolling regarding exorcism and deliverance. I would presume that if needed, a priest in the church would use an already published rite with the cooperation of their bishop.

Also, in the BCP you find this prayer from the order of Compline: Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this place, and drive from it all the snares of the enemy; let Thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace; and may thy blessing be upon us evermore; through Christ our Lord. Amen. (or a variation, since I quote from memory)

 

I want to know something:

The media is obsessed with Roman Catholic exorcists, even though I've been told by ex-Roman converts to Anglicanism that the Church of England currently has more exorcists than the RCC at the moment.

My real concern, however, is that I've had Catholic exclusivists argue with me in the past that Roman Catholic exorcisms are the only true exorcisms and Protestant ones are a fraud, because allegedly you see more elaborate, extreme, radical demonic manifestations (such as in the movie The Exorcist) in Roman Catholic exorcisms but never Protestant ones, which are described as uneventful and relatively 'mundane' in comparison. They use this as evidence to say that Protestant exorcisms are frauds from the devil and that Roman exorcisms harbor the real power. Thing is, it may also be that the media is again playing off the Exorcist hype, that 1) the manifestation being battled must be astounding, and 2) it must be Roman Catholic, because apparently they're the only ones who do exorcisms (I even had some ignorantly ask, "Do protestants even do exorcisms at all?"). They might be ignoring the fact that some Roman exorcisms are relatively mundane and similar to Protestant ones much of the times, sans the rituals used, and that there are in fact some astounding stories of spiritual warfare from Protestants. For example, I heard from an evangelical missionary in India, that there was a situation where a young girl was possessed and had a demon in her who claimed to be an ancient Hindu spirit. This spirit took her life and she died clinically on the table where she was held. But some missionaries had a premonition that she would be saved, then confronted the spirit to let go of her, battled her in the name of Christ, and eventually she was set free, and came back to life before the doctor's eyes. I also heard a story from a church in Africa that had someone bewitched in the form of a bird due to witchcraft who fell through the ceiling and returned to human form during a worship service, and was delivered from a curse. Easy to dismiss because these foreign countries are written off as ignorant (remember the New testament period was much like it is in those places).

My main point is, should we doubt the claims that Roman Catholics get the more interesting exorcisms because they battle TRUE evil, or as I said, is it a common misrepresentation because of several factors? Therefore, could we say most exorcisms, regardless of denomination, are more often 'mundane' than not and Romans do not have any more evidence to prove their exorcisms are more valid than ours?

 

I feel like you are trusting too many stories and old wives tales... Demonic possession is far less common than people, especially unstable charismatic/pentecostal types would like to let on... Many of those stories are made up!

Then add on top of it the denominations competing with each other about 'who's a more real Christian' so you have these pissing contests or people imagining and making up demonic situations, one worse than the other, to compete and present a facade...

I struggle to see what any of that has to do with genuine piety!

 

Just that those that feign piety to impress other human beings cannot fool or impress Satan or his minions. Acts 19:13-16.

Genuine piety is required when dealing with 'the darker side of things'. I have met and conversed at length, with a Diocesan Exorcist over a training weekend on retreat and I can assure you that if there is any unconfessed sin in your life, it is extremely unwise to assume you can merely use the Name of Christ to effect, (with impunity from attack by His enemies and ours).

As for 'effectiveness competitions', the person I was in conversation with did not want the job, nor did he advise anyone to actively seek the position out of either curiosity or a desire for recognition by others. Both attitudes are dangerous delusions and likely to quickly get oneself out of one's depth in matters beyond one's ability to control.

The Church of England has strict procedures for such matters, which are extremely unwise for individuals to circumvent.
.

 

Interesting. In a totally unprecedented and unsolicited attempt on my part, I've been approached by two different persons requesting I perform a cleansing of two homes with demonic infestation. Having been a former Orthodox Priest, I had some effective tools to perform this. I primarily used the Orthodox prayers of "The Blessing of a New Home." I poured blessed kosher salt in front the of the entrance of the home, incensed the entire home, then went through every room blessing with Holy water and finally took unction oil and blessed each and every wall of the home. Secondly, I also utilized supplemental prayers from the Roman Rite of Exorcism. Both homes have been cleansed of their infestations and as of this writing these two homes remain peaceful. One critical point (and suggestion) is having the homeowners themselves to boldly and passionately command the demonic spirits to depart stressing they are no longer welcomed in their home. Having experienced a charism to do this, I am seriously considering going to Rome next year to take the course on Exorcism. They have now opened it up to all denominations. Do us Anglican's offer a serious (and I emphasize serious and well thought out) course or training? If so where? Someone said there is a workshop in Dallas somewhere this Fall. I'm okay with cleansing infested homes but people...that a much more sophisticated and risky thing to do, particularly for the Priest performing the Exorcism. Can anyone bring me up to speed to what we are doing collectively and who I could communicate with. Thank you.

 

Message me. Deliverance ministry is a point of emphasis in the Orthodox Anglican Church. A training seminar was conducted this spring with an instructor who was trained at the Vatican. We also have a diocesan specialist to evaluate potential cases for the possibility of exorcism. He is both a practicing medical and physchological professional as well as a faithful priest. So he is current on mental illness diagnoses while also being an ardent believer in spiritual forces.

 

I can only talk for the Church of England (C of E).

How do Anglican exorcisms work?
I do not know because I have never seen one. I also believe the Rite of Exorcism is not publicly available.

Does TEC have exorcists?
I do not know. The C of E certainly has them.

How many exorcists are in every diocese (estimate/what do you think) [sic]
I do not know if there is a fixed number. I believe every diocese in the C of E has one at least.

Is there a ordination for exorcists?
No, ordination is only for the three ranks of holy orders: deacon, priest and bishop. I watched a programme about exorcists in the C of E but it was a long time ago. I do believe there was some form of prayer to commission a priest as an exorcist.

Can any priest do an exorcism?
I think all priests can do certain kinds of exorcisms. However, some (may be all) exorcisms can only be done by a priest who is specifically appointed to the task by the bishop.

 

Not to raise too much devil over this topic....

But I came across this document purporting to contain several forms of Anglican Exorcism.

https://thavmapub.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/anglican-exorcism-formulae.pdf

Is there a definitive form of exorcism found in any of the prayerbooks?

What has been the stance on exorcism in the Anglican world? Both Catholic and Orghodox churches have noted a significant rise in exorcism requested and performed over the last several years while in my part of the Communion, they aren't mentioned at all.

 

The prayerbooks likely wouldn't contain major exorcism rites as they are kept from public knowledge so as to prevent people from using them irresponsibly.

 

That's disturbing to think the Catholic Church is more transparent than the Anglican. Such orders would require assent from the general assembly to be official at any rate.

 

Quite correct. Exorcism is dangerous and not to be fooled around with. The rites are only available to those priests authorised by ecclesiastical authority as exorcists.

 

Yes, using a religious rite to cast out demons is dangerous. Better to just command the demon to come out, and be done with it.

Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils...

Jesus didn't say, "these signs shall follow them that have been ordained".

 

If a Christian has reason to believe that a demon is posing a threat to someone, the Christian should certainly command it to leave in Jesus' name and, no matter if it seems successful or not, contact their minister ASAP
This is not the same as the lengthy process of removing a demon from a someone by use of exorcism rites

 

Persons who have not been appointed as exorcists and who have not been trained should leave these things alone. Demons are far more powerful than human beings. One needs to live an exemplary good life to be able to carry out exorcisms. This is something in which individuals should not dabble. You should contact a priest who ought to report the matter to the diocese and allow an authorised exorcist to deal with the matter. Indeed, the individual may also require a mental health assessment to ascertain whether it is a true possession or the person has a psychological pathology.

 

1Jn 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

The Holy Spirit is the Greater One who lives in us, and when we live and move in His power (enablement) we are made able to overcome evil spirits.

Mat 17:16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
Mat 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
Mat 17:18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
Mat 17:19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Mat 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

What part of "These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name they shall cast out devils" (Mark 16:17) is hard to understand? Are you one who believes?

When the disciples had trouble casting out a demon (Matt. 17), Jesus bemoaned their lack of faith. But he conceded (v. 21) that some demons are more powerful than others, and the more powerful ones require prayer and fasting. Spiritual discernment (discerning of spirits) is a gift given by the Holy Spirit at times when it is needed, but one may have to tarry in prayer and sometimes also fast while seeking and waiting for the discernment.

Those who fear demons are looking at their own natural selves instead of who they are in Christ. Yes, in all likelihood the very weakest demon is more powerful than the strongest mortal man on his own, but we are not alone. If we believe that God the Holy Spirit truly dwells within us and is supplying us with divine enablement to withstand and overcome evil spirits, we will not be fearful of any demon. The power of God is infinitely greater than that of demons. By His mighty power we are made able to stand against the evil ones.

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Some people seem to have forgotten or disregarded this passage. Instead of being strong in the Lord, they are weak in themselves. They have left off the armor which the word of God admonishes them to put on. They do not stand against the devil; they quake in their boots and speak of how strong the adversary is! Oh, if Jesus were here, what would He say? Would He say, "O faithless generation"? He certainly would not be saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant," because people are too fickle and faith-less. They pick and choose which sayings of Jesus they will believe.

 

Luk 9:1-2 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Luk 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done.

Luk 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Luk 10:17-21 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power (more properly, "authority") to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

What did Jesus mean by that last sentence?

These 12 apostles and 70 disciples were not part of the Sanhedrin. They weren't scribes, learned in the law. They hadn't been through three years of seminary, followed by months of intensive specialized training in exorcisms. No, these were ordinary fishermen, builders, and workers. Jesus gave them a job to do, and they (first the 12, and then the 70) went out and did it.

Jesus rejoiced that authority over evil spirits (authority to act in His name) could be exercised by the uneducated, non-specially-trained laity, even though the religious leaders (specially taught of the scriptures, and appointed to teach and to act on behalf of the people) couldn't figure it out. (Some of that is still happening today.)

Just before Jesus ascended, He gave all disciples (believers in and followers of Christ) a job to do.

Mat 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Mar 16:15-20 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.

How can this be? Mortal men have no power over evil spirits or sickness. Mortal men cannot shake off a serpent's poison if they are accidentally bitten. But we are no longer ordinary men in the eyes of God, because He has delegated His authority to us... authority to act in Jesus' name and in His stead, until He comes again in the clouds (Rev. 1:7). That is why we are told that "Christ Jesus...washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever," (Rev. 1:5-6), and to this revelatory statement the scripture concludes, "Amen" (meaning, "so be it"). You see, when we act in Jesus' name and take authority over evil spirits and rulers of the darkness, we are being obedient to God; we are glorifying Him and magnifying His Kingship and dominion. Jesus isn't here "in the flesh" to cast out devils, so He left us the job. He delegated His authority, and the right and duty to act in His holy name, to do the things He would do if He were present bodily. And God the Holy Spirit abides within us, backing us up in this privilege and obligation.

We have a green light from God to go ye therefore. Are we going to go, or are we going to continue blocking the intersection?