Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby has debunked claims of a spike in exorcisms in Queensland.The Catholic Leader reports Archbishop Bathersby said the claims of an increase of demonic possession were a "complete surprise" to him.
Speaking on Brisbane radio, he said during his entire time as Archbishop he had only been approached "four to six times" by someone looking for an exorcist.
He added he had "never been present at an exorcism" but that the archdiocese did possess a priest with the authority to carry out exorcisms, as did most dioceses.
"I've certainly had no reports from this priest that he was getting any busier in this regard," Archbishop Bathersby said.
"It was possible that a group of people within society may be interested "in evil and in the devil."
"Belief in the existence of the devil goes back to scripture and life itself and is a regular part of Christian faith from the time of Christ, and still is."
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