Of Interest Around the World: Britain Plans to Legitimize Exorcism as Therapy

by Francis MacNutt
Summer 2000

We have received significant news from friends in England, who passed along to us an article by Jonathan Petre in London's Sunday Telegraph last fall. It is of particular interest to those of us involved in the healing prayer ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, as it impacts that part of our ministry which deals with deliverance from evil spirits. Clearly, this news represents a dramatic change in attitude toward the deliverance ministry in the United Kingdom and, hopefully, will lead to a similar result in the United States.

"The British government plans to recognize exorcism of demons as a therapy for treating mental illness."

"In a radical move that will dismay many doctors, a report prepared for the Health Education Authority and due to be published next Monday will endorse the use of Christian healing and 'deliverance,' casting out evil spirits, which are controversial practices even within the churches that use them."

''Although the report will warn about the dangers of fringe religious groups exploiting vulnerable people, it will urge psychiatrists and other mental health professionals not to dismiss spiritual therapies and prayer, even if they lack a scientific basis."

"The New Testament describes many instances of the healing power of Jesus and the 'positive effects of His ministry on those who were willing to listen,' says the government–funded report."

"'An emphasis on demons and demon possession can be very damaging to people who are vulnerable, and there is an important distinction to be drawn between evil and mental ill health,' it goes on."

'"At the same time, some hold that a deliverance ministry is an important part of their belief in prayer, and some people have found exorcism and similar approaches helpful."

"Doctors should be sensitive to people's religious beliefs, the report said. This means if their patients report seeing visions, hearing voices or speaking in tongues, which have been experienced by saints and mystics, they should not automatically be diagnosed as mentally ill."

"The report, Promoting Mental Health: The Role of Faith Communities, is backed by leading psychiatrists, the National Schizophrenia fellowship, the Church of England Board for Social Responsibility and Dr. Jonathan Sack, Britain's chief rabbi. It is part ofa government campaign to break down stigmas about mental illness."

"Promoting Mental Health, which cites U.S. research suggesting a strong link between religious belief and well–being, is published just as more British clergy are becoming interested in exorcism in the run–up to the start of the new millennium."

"Despite the sinister image generated by films such as The Exorcist, all Church of England dioceses have an official exorcist."

<Francis MacNutt is a Founding Director and Executive Committee member of CHM.