In a recent article I asked the question if demonic possession is real.Even though there are many symptoms of possession that can and do reflect treatable medical illnesses, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and hysteria, there are those rare instances where something unexplainable happens.
Something evil and supernatural where the church may intervene. Certain Christian denominations perform a certain ritual known as the Rite of Exorcism.
Although it is very hard to get the Church to authorize an authentic exorcism, they do still occur today.
The exorcists job is to expel the demon(s) by invoking the power of Christ. This process can be very dangerous and should not be practiced by anyone who is not trained spiritually and mentally.
I had a chance to get a private interview with Archbishop James Long, Exorcist and Demonologist.
1. Could you please tell me what exactly it is that you do?
I am the Presiding Archbishop for the United States Old Catholic Church. Before anything else, I am a Priest.
As the Presiding Archbishop, it is my responsibility to ensure that every seminarian who studies for the United States Old Catholic Church is properly formed before being ordained. This is the main responsibility of the Presiding Archbishop.
As a Demonologist and Exorcist, it is my job to help those who believe that they either have a demonic infestation within their home or that they are possessed and need the Solemn Ritual of Exorcism.
It should be noted that before an Exorcism is ever performed, I require the individual being allegedly attacked undergo a psychological, physical and spiritual evaluation. I must be informed on all of the findings before any proceedings occur. As an Exorcist, I must be absolutely sure that the individual claiming possession is not suffering from a psychological disorder.
I am also the founder of the Paranormal Clergy Institute and we are very busy forming priests and laity Demonologists who are interested in assisting those suffering from Demonic attacks.
2. It seems like everyone who claims they are an exorcist/demonologist nowadays is self proclaimed and the only thing they have to go by is what they have seen on TV or books they read. What is the real process in becoming an exorcist /demonologist?
It is imperative to understand that being a Demonologist is a calling from God. It is not something that one should do because they are bored on a Saturday night. This is a ministry and unless one is called to serve in this ministry, they should stay far away from the topic because there are very serious ramifications for being involved.
One who is involved in Demonology and certainly Exorcisms should have a very strong prayer life. Their relationship with God must be in a constant state of growth.
Studying Demonology is not enough. I have studied Demonology since I was 9 years old and there is a big difference between what books say and what the real experience deems as truthful.
If one only reads theories but yet has no field experience, I would hardly call them a Demonologist.
Again, to be a Demonologist is a calling from God and I cannot stress enough that this is a very dangerous ministry and people should become educated on what those dangers are before venturing on this path.
3. What is the difference between being an exorcist and a demonologist?
A Demonologist is one who has studied Demonology and is able to decipher through knowledge the difference between infestation, oppression and possession. To be considered a true Demonologist, one should have studied under a reputable Demonologist or Exorcist before claiming to be one. A Demonologist does not perform the Solemn Ritual of Exorcism. This Ritual should only be performed by an Exorcist who is validly ordained.
An Exorcist is a validly ordained priest who has the proper education and prayer life to perform the Solemn Ritual of Exorcism. This should ONLY be done by a validly ordained priest. Ordination does not mean hitting the “get ordained” button on the internet and magically one is ordained. This is not considered valid ordination.
Valid ordination is invoking the Holy Spirit and the Bishop laying hands upon the recipient and asks God to bestow the Sacrament of Holy Orders on the newly ordained.
4. What types of things will make a person prone to becoming possessed?
There are many things that can make a person prone to being possessed. The immediate answer is that an individual dabbles with the black witchcraft or playing with items such as a Ouija Board.
Placing curses on others or performing other dark magic arts bounds that individual to the demonic that brings the curse to fruition. Therefore, this should be avoided at all cost.
Using items such as the Ouija Board and other items that have immediate communication with the unknown is most dangerous because there is no filter that can be used to filter out the good from the evil. Using these items is directly communicating with something in which you do not know its origins and should be avoided.
One should never act with a doubtful conscience because you may allow an evil to occur. This simply means that you do not know the exact nature of the entity that you are speaking to and therefore, you have a doubtful conscience and by continuing the dialogue, you may allow an evil to occur; infestation, oppression, possession.
5. What are the steps, signs or symptoms leading up to full demonic possession?
There are 3 stages to demonic possession. Please keep in mind that although the steps seems elementary in explanation, each step consists of multiple escalation, which I will not divulge.
6. What is the purpose of demonic possession? What does the demon gain from possessing a human?
The purpose for demonic possession is for the victim to commit suicide. The demonic’s ultimate goal is to destroy the possessed intellect and will. The possession will force the possessed to isolate him/herself from those they love and therefore, this will give them a sense of isolation and complete and place them in a mental state of despair.
Then, the demonic will begin to attack their will and this consists of many stages. The demonic may attack the person on a physical, psychological, spiritual and sexual level. The attacks can be quite violent and it will reach the point in which the possessed can no longer tolerate the attacks and therefore, possession takes place.
It should be noted that the demonic may possess the body but that does not mean that it possesses the soul.
7. Can a non believer become possessed?
Yes. Demonic possession is not contingent upon the person’s faith. A person may not believe in demons but demons certainly believe in the unbelievers.
8. How can you tell the differences between possession or medical illnesses such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and hysteria?
Before any exorcism is every performed, I require the individual to have a thorough psychological evaluation from a licensed psychiatrist. This is not optional. Furthermore, I require that the alleged possessed allows me access to the complete psychological report and a conference is held by myself, my assistants and the licensed Psychiatrist.
I also require a full account of the medication that the alleged possessed has taken or is currently taking. Many prescription medications do have side effects that can cause hallucinations and other mind altering thoughts in which false possession can be logically explained.
Due to the sensitivity of the subject, I am unable to describe what Laity Demonologists or I look for in determining possession.
9. What exactly is the rite of exorcism?
There are two forms of Exorcism. The Minor Rite of Exorcism can be performed by the Laity but before performing this very powerful ritual, one should be guided by a properly educated Laity Demonologist. This should not be performed by someone who finds this ritual on the internet and who does not seek out experienced advice.
The Minor Rite can be used on house cleansings and such but again, this could be quite dangerous because if there is true Demonic Infestation, the risk of possession or severe oppression is likely.
The Solemn Ritual of Exorcism is performed by a validly ordained priest and this is the ritual that is performed on an individual who is possessed. This should only be performed by someone who is properly formed and called to do this ministry. There are very serious legal and physical consequences for performing the Ritual and unless someone is truly formed and sanctioned by the church to do so, they should never involved themselves with this Ritual.
10. Have you ever encountered the same demon twice?
I have encountered demonic entities that claim to be the same demonic force. However, one should be aware that there are numerous demonic entities that exist and therefore, manipulation and lies will occur during the ritual.
11. Can exorcisms be done to someone who may be possessed by a human spirit?
A human spirit can possess the living but the manipulation and control of the possessed body is limited to that of a demonic entity. This can occur only if the individual possessed opens themselves up to receiving the energy of the deceased.
I have found through field experience that the Minor Rite of Exorcism can be successful in human possession.
12. If someone does encounter what they think may be a demon what should they do?
Plainly put, leave it alone and call the Paranormal Clergy. As stated above, never act with a doubtful conscience because you may allow an evil to occur.
If you think that a home may have demonic infestation, simply leave it alone and allow others who are properly trained in this field to assist.
Certainly, if you come across someone who claims to be possessed, do NOT get involved. One of 4 things is occurring when someone claims to be possessed. I have created a field of 4 explanations called, “The 4 factor” of possession.
1. The person claiming to be possessed is lying so that they can get attention.
2. The person claiming to be possessed truly believes they are possessed, but the “paranormal” activities can be explained logically.
3. The person has a mental illness
4. The person is telling the truth and therefore, possession is taking place
13. Thanks to the media and movies such as Constantine where things like being an exorcist/demonologist is idolized, what would you say to someone who wants to now become an exorcist/demonologist?
Unless you are called to serve in this ministry and unless you are willing and prepared to deal with constant oppression, stay away from this field.
There is nothing romantic about being a demonologist and certainly an Exorcist. This ministry is a valid one and there are serious consequences for being.
14. What do you recommend to someone who seriously has a calling for this type of work?
Speak to a reputable Demonologist and if possible, Exorcist. If the person has a true calling and understands the serious consequences to this ministry, then proper education and formation must take place. This is not a quick process. It involves developing and strengthening ones prayer life and being prepared to deal with the consequences that come with performing this ministry.
15. Are there any recommended readings on the topic of exorcism/demonology?
I have written a book called, “Through the Eyes of an Exorcist” and people can obtain a copy through LuLu.com or Amazon.com.
Of course, I would also recommend books written by Fr.’s Armorth and Martin.
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