exorcism

[Rhamiel]

does the Anglican Church teach that demonic possession is a reality and do you have a rite of exorcism?

 

[Feuerbach]

Exorcism does exist in Anglican churches. A standardized rite that is an equivalent of the Roman Rite is not readily available or published anywhere that I am aware of. This is something a priest would get from the bishop if/when it were needed.

My grandfather was an Episcopal priest and performed an exorcism at some point, though he never spoke about it other than confirm that it took place.

 

[Rhamiel]

thank you for the response

 

[Paidiske]

Yes, I understand that there is a rite. But they don't publish it so that idiots won't try it when they shouldn't. I think usually what happens is that a diocese will - officially or unofficially - appoint one or two priests as exorcists and refer such matters to them.

(I had a situation like this to deal with last year and referred the person to a priest the bishop had designated).

 

[Shane R]

My mentor is our diocesan exorcist. He has been called upon a couple of times. The Abp. and I had a conversation about exorcism when I was training with him last month and he is more than happy to leave that duty to my mentor. But as others have said, I have not seen the rite.

 

[graceandpeace]

does the Anglican Church teach that demonic possession is a reality and do you have a rite of exorcism?

This is what the Episcopal Church says:

http://archive.episcopalchurch.org/109399_14347_ENG_HTM.htm

I think it's intentionally vague.

Anglicans in general probably have different ideas about the meaning of "demonic possession." I don't think exorcism is very common in our churches, but I don't have stats to confirm.

 

[Shane R]

This is what the Episcopal Church says:

http://archive.episcopalchurch.org/109399_14347_ENG_HTM.htm

I think it's intentionally vague.

Anglicans in general probably have different ideas about the meaning of "demonic possession." I don't think exorcism is very common in our churches, but I don't have stats to confirm.

Forgive me if I step too far out of bounds of the forum, but how is one supposed to take exorcism seriously in a church in which 1/3 of the clergy deny the supernatural? And what is still considered sin, and possibly demon possession, in The Episcopal Church?

 

[Fish and Bread]

Forgive me if I step too far out of bounds of the forum, but how is one supposed to take exorcism seriously in a church in which 1/3 of the clergy deny the supernatural? And what is still considered sin, and possibly demon possession, in The Episcopal Church?

It's a broad church.

Its nice that there is a liturgically traditional church with appropriate seasons and vestments out there that feels everyone is always welcome at God's table and doesn't check your theological credentials at the door or judge your private life too harshly if you aren't a cookercutter 1950s kind of person.

The flipside of that is that you've got some priests who'll perform exoricisms and others who don't believe in the devil at all. People who can't live with that tension usually find other churches that fit them better. People who can, think it's great. Its a church that can be a million different things to a million different people but has a core of practice that roots it and gives it a center of gravity, and can get all those people together listening to the same readings and sharing the same Eucharist on Sunday.

 

[graceandpeace]

Forgive me if I step too far out of bounds of the forum, but how is one supposed to take exorcism seriously in a church in which 1/3 of the clergy deny the supernatural?

It's okay.

Do you have a source for this?

And what is still considered sin, and possibly demon possession, in The Episcopal Church?

Here are a few links:

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/sin

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/sin-0

My opinion, I think sin is when we fail to love God or love our neighbors as ourselves - even more so, when we actively make choices that remove us from love.

Naming specific sins is a different matter. I think any act that obviously causes harm to others or displays a hatefulness toward God would qualify. The 10 Commandments is a popular example to cite for Christians, in helping us "name" sins. It's muddy, though. Life can be messy, & sometimes what's right is not readily apparent. I think this is where the Holy Spirit comes in, to work in our communities as we seek direction, & in our own personal lives as we look to grow more like Jesus.

I don't know if that answers the matter for you. We certainly talk about sin in the Episcopal Church & we are called upon to confess, forgive, & "go into the world in peace, to love & serve the Lord."

Demonic possession is not something I've heard discussed in depth from the pulpit. My opinion, I do believe there are "forces" of evil of some sort that can work in us. I do think there is something, even if I can't describe it. I'm not sure I think of these forces as literal beings. I think there is room for different opinions regarding specifics here.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

You guys may find this interesting:

http://orthodoxanglicanism.blogspot.ca/2008/04/rituale-romanum-1962-exorcism-rite.html

 

[ByronArn]

And what is still considered sin, and possibly demon possession, in The Episcopal Church?

The 1979 US Book of Common Prayer has a catechism in it. To quote the catechism:

Q. What is sin?
A. Sin is the seeking of our own will instead of the will of
God, thus distorting our relationship with God, with other
people, and with all creation.

Of course, this is not applicable to Anglicans outside the Episcopal Church, but I suspect that other Anglicans' beliefs would be simmilar enough.