The International Association of Exorcists (IAE) has recently raised concerns about several pastoral practices that may mislead the faithful seeking help for what they believe to be the extraordinary actions of the devil. The organization, which includes over 900 exorcist members worldwide, aims to offer guidance in providing authentic pastoral care through the ministry of exorcism. In a Jan. 6 article, the IAE issued important clarifications to help ensure that the ministry remains faithful to the Church’s teachings and avoids practices that cause confusion or harm.
The association observes that there has been an increase in people seeking exorcism due to fears that they may be victims of “vexation, obsession, possession, or infestation” by the devil. However, they emphasize that many of these cases require “rigorous examination,” as some individuals may act inappropriately, causing confusion in the process. As a result, the IAE warns against the following nine erroneous pastoral practices:
1. Improvisation and Sensationalism
The IAE criticizes those who, without proper training or episcopal mandate, engage in “arbitrary methods of liberation” rather than directing individuals to authorized exorcists. Even more concerning is when individuals suggest looking for “more powerful” exorcists or claim to detect extraordinary demonic activity without the necessary authority. “Instead of referring cases of possible extraordinary action by the evil one to an exorcist, [they] employ arbitrary methods of liberation” which are not authorized by the bishop, according to the association.
2. Focusing on the Devil, Not the Gospel
According to the IAE, some individuals focus too much on the presence and actions of the devil rather than on the message of Christ. They warn that “liberation depends solely on a compulsive repetition of prayers and blessings,” whereas true peace is found through “a life of charity, nourished by the word of God, through prayer, through frequenting the sacraments of the Eucharist and confession, and through an authentic devotion to the Immaculate Virgin.”
3. Negligent Discernment
The association also laments that some priests, including exorcists, neglect the rigorous discernment prescribed by the Church’s Rite of Exorcisms. Using methods or criteria from non-Catholic sources such as “esoteric or New Age” beliefs is “unacceptable and contrary to the faith and doctrine of the Church,” according to the IAE.
4. Superstitious Practices
The IAE calls attention to superstitious practices that have crept into some exorcisms. Practices such as using photographs or clothing to identify evil spirits, or using sacramentals inappropriately, are “incorrect attitudes that feed a superstitious mentality.” These practices “give rise to a magical use of blessed objects” and are “injurious to the dignity of the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit.”
5. The Involvement of Inappropriate Persons
It is “unacceptable” for priests or pastoral workers to collaborate with individuals such as psychics or so-called charismatics, sending suffering individuals to them instead of an authorized exorcist. Even worse, the IAE notes, is when a diocesan exorcist delegates this responsibility to these individuals. The exorcist must “take responsibility for the suffering of others” and engage in “personal discernment” to verify the possible extraordinary action of the devil.
6. Excluding Medical and Psychological Sciences
The association emphasizes the importance of integrating medical and psychological expertise into the discernment process. “One cannot exclude a priori consulting the psychological and psychiatric sciences, and of other positive disciplines,” the IAE states. Ignoring the contributions of these fields can expose individuals to unnecessary risks and lead to misunderstandings about the origin of their suffering.
7. Reckless and Harmful Statements
The IAE warns against the hasty identification of demonic activity as the cause of suffering without proper discernment. This reckless approach can “mislead” individuals and deepen their fears, rather than offering them the help they truly need.
8. Regarding Witchcraft
While witchcraft is a growing concern, the IAE cautions against a “fearful attitude” that attributes all evil to witchcraft. They point out that focusing too much on identifying the source of evil is “useless and irrelevant for their liberation.” Instead, the faithful should be taught to trust in “the remedies of grace offered by the Church” and the “Christian path to follow.”
9. Intergenerational Healing
The IAE also addresses the practice of “intergenerational healing,” a concept used by some to address familial curses or sins. The association states that this practice lacks biblical and theological foundations and can harm the faith of those involved. According to the IAE, “several local ordinaries and bishops’ conferences” have intervened to clarify that intergenerational healing has no place in the Church’s exorcism ministry.
A Call to Reject Fear and Embrace Faith
Beyond these specific practices, the IAE reminds the faithful and clergy that fear should have no place in the ministry of exorcism. Fear weakens faith and trust in God, and the devil seeks to exploit it to reduce people “to slavery.” The article emphasizes that exorcists must let Christ’s peace dwell in them, recognizing that their ministry is “imbued with profound joy,” as they witness the power of Christ’s resurrection and the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the saints.
As the IAE concludes, the exorcist’s primary role is to offer peace and hope, following the example of St. Paul: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). In doing so, they offer the faithful the authentic care and discernment needed to confront evil in the name of Christ.
