Giving the Devil His Due Process: Exorcism in the Church of England

In recent years the Church of England has renewed its interest in carrying out exorcism. The spiritual renewal manifested by the growth in the Charismatic movement, a growth based very much on healing and exorcism, is attractive to the Church, as is the idea that healing activities based on the practices of the Apostolic church will enhance the Church of England's spiritual presence. This renewal, however, carries many risks, because exorcism can be seen as superstitious behavior based on archaic beliefs contrary to modern science. Confronting Satan has physical risks for both the victim and the helper. There is a potential for wild, unrestrained, erotic, bizarre activities that can get the Church into trouble with the law and with the broader society. In its attempt to respond to these risks and opportunities, the Church has adopted practices that medicalize, bureaucratize, normalize, and restrain the process of dealing with the devil. These policies stress the compatibility between medical practices and exorcism.