Exorcism

{{bronze}}
[[Image:Exorcist_Movie.jpg|thumb|right|180px|''The Exorcist'', a movie that gives people nightmares.]]
{{Paranormal}}
{{cquote|'''Chris:''' How do you go about getting an exorcism? <br> '''Karras:''' I beg your pardon? Well, the first thing — I'd have to get into a [[time machine]] and get back to the 16<sup>th</sup> century…|||''The Exorcist''<ref>[https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Exorcist_%28film%29#Regan_MacNeil The Exorcist (film)] ''Wikiquote''</ref>}}

'''Exorcism''' is the practice of purging [[demon]]s, [[ghost]]s, dark influences, malevolent spirits, lost souls, and/or [[Satan]] out of a [[demonic possession|possessed]] person's body and/or [[soul]], a haunted house, a [[curse]]d object, etc.

Exorcism usually involves invoking [[God]], [[Jesus]], [[Angel|angels]], [[Saint|saints]], doing funny dances, pouring [[holy water]] or dangerous substances on the subject, [[pray]]ing, sacrifices, [[amulet]]s, and [[fasting]] either by the [[clergy]] or by the subject, among other things. It is generally performed by a member of the clergy or other holy dudes, or just [[Bobby Jindal|ambitious religious extremists]]. It may include [[enhanced interrogation]]; see examples of deaths below.

The idea of [[demonic possession]] and exorcisms is present in many religions, including [[Islam]] and [[Hinduism]] and [[Christianity]]. It is officially recognized by the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic Church]],<ref>[http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c4a1.htm#1673 ''Catechism of the Catholic Church'', §1673] ''Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church''.</ref> in which the practice is increasing in popularity.<ref>https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2020/10/exorcism-increasingly-frequent-including-after-us-protests/ Exorcism: Increasingly frequent, including after US protests] by David Crary (Oct 31, 2020) ''AP'' via ''Crux''.</ref> The Jewish dybbuk is very similar, but is usually perpetrated by a malicious dead person.

Notwithstanding the beliefs of the Catholic and [[Protestant]] churches, there is no reliable and testable [[evidence]] of demonic possession occurring or even, for that matter, of demons existing.

In 2008, the [[Texas]] supreme court ruled that a 17-year-old girl who was imprisoned and abused while [[Hallucination|hallucinating]] could not sue the church over damages done during the exorcism.<ref>[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/25423465/ns/us_news-faith/t/court-exorcism-protected-law/#.VHE0fvnIZ1g Court: Exorcism is protected by law. Texas justices throw out jury award after teenager alleged church ordeal] (updated 6/28/2008 5:21:28 AM ET) ''NBC News''.</ref> In 2017, charges were brought against church members in the case of a [[North Carolina]] [[gay]] man who was beaten and choked for 2 hours in an exorcism attempt.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/06/02/gay-man-says-church-members-beat-choked-him-for-hours-to-expel-homosexual-demons/?utm_term=.6256d3b1d68f&wpisrc=nl_mix&wpmm=1 Gay man says church members beat, choked him for hours to expel 'homosexual demons'] by Samantha Schmidt (June 2 at 6:08 AM) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

A 2018 article reports that in the UK, suspicion of [[witch]]craft and demonic activity has resulted in nearly 1,500 [[child abuse]] cases.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/06/exorcists-catholic-evangelical-church-child-abuse-new-inquisition Exorcists are back – and people are getting hurt] by Deborah Hyde (6 Mar 2018 08.00 EST) ''The Guardian''.</ref>

When exorcism is used against people with mental or physical [[disabilities]], it can be considered a form of [[ableism]].<ref>[https://www.au.org/the-latest/church-and-state/articles/blessed-are-the-meek-as-long-as-they-stay-out-of-the-way-and-dont-cost-too-much/ ‘Blessed are the meek’ — as long as they stay out of the way and don’t cost too much] by Amy Couch (June 2, 2025) ''Church & State Magazine, Americans United for Separation of Church and State''.</ref>

==In Christianity==
[[File:Mosaic of the exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac from the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.jpg|thumb|left|165px|A 6<sup>th</sup> century CE mosaic depicting the Exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac by Jesus ({{bible|Mark|5|1|20}}; {{bible|Matthew|8|28|34}}; {{bible|Luke|8|26|39}})]]
According to the [[New Testament]], Jesus cast out demons ({{bible|Matthew|8|16}}), an act which became the foundation for Christian exorcism, and it appears in Christian [[theology]] as early as in the writings of [[Origen]] in the 3<sup>rd</sup> century [[CE]].<ref>[https://www.coptic-magic.phil.uni-wuerzburg.de/index.php/2019/09/20/old-coptic-magical-texts-iv-the-bilingual-exorcism-of-pgm-iv/ Old Coptic Magical Texts IV: The Bilingual Exorcism of PGM IV] (20<sup>th</sup> September 2019) ''Coptic Magical Papyri: Vernacular Religion in the Late Roman and Early Islamic Egypt, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg''.</ref>

Demonic or other possession was at one time used to explain everything from basic illness to odd behavior of an individual, loss of memory (for example, after an accident), social problems like alcoholism and [[drug abuse]], [[prostitution]], and generally any opinion which was an embarrassment to an individual, their family, or the Church. As [[science]] began to provide explanations for illness, and as society became more accepting of different points of view, "possession" became more infrequent.

Small numbers of Christians accept exorcism in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. People being exorcised appear seriously distressed; believers say the demons rather than the people exorcised are distressed.<ref>About.com Paranormal Phenomena [http://paranormal.about.com/od/demonsandexorcism/a/aa031405_2.htm Exorcism in Russia]</ref>

Michael Cuneo, a sociologist at Fordham University, says that there are 10 official Catholic exorcists in the [[United States]], and he estimates that there are 500-600 evangelical exorcism ministries.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=92541&page=1 Exorcism Thriving in U.S., Say Experts] ''ABC News''</ref><ref>''American Exorcism: Expelling Demons in the Land of Plenty'' by Michael W. Cuneo (2001). Doubleday. ISBN 0385501765.</ref>

===Roman Catholic exorcism===
[[File:Padre fortea darer.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Father José Antonio Fortea: blabby]]
The [[Vatican website]] has this to say on Exorcism:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210427082302/http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c4a1.htm Part Two: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery] ''Vatican Archives'' (archived from April 27, 2021).</ref>
{{cquote|When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the [[Satan|Evil One]] and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism. [[Jesus]] performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcising. In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of [[Baptism]]. The solemn exorcism, called "a major exorcism," can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church. Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter; treating this is the concern of [[Medicine|medical science]]. Therefore, before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness.}}
[[Pope Francis]] was filmed carrying out a possible exorcism in [[Peter the Apostle|St Peter]]'s Square. Francis has previously carried out exorcisms as did [[John Paul II]].<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/video-emerges-of-pope-francis-reportedly-performing-an-exorcism-8624934.html Video emerges of Pope Francis reportedly performing an exorcism]</ref><ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/20/did-pope-francis-perform-an-exorcism_n_3308839.html Did Pope Francis Perform An Exorcism?] by Michael Day (22 May 2013 10:24) ''The Independent''.</ref> 

The [[Roman Catholic Church]] has a body of exorcists that follow tightly regulated rules, most of which are kept secret from all but a very few church members.<ref>[http://www.exorcismus.org/exorcism-and-exorcists/212-who-is-an-exorcist Who can perform exorcism?] ''Queen of the Rosary Foundation''.</ref> At least one official exorcist, José Antonio Fortea, was happy to blab at least some of the rules.<ref>In the book, ''Summa Daemoniaca: Tratado de Demonología y Manual de Exorcistas'' by José Antonio Fortea (2020) Almuzara. ISBN 8416921768. Also translated into Italian.</ref>

The Roman Catholic hierarchy is reviving interest in exorcism in hopes of reminding people that [[secular]] institutions are incapable of dealing with demons while the church, of course, can.<ref>'[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/13/us/13exorcism.html For Catholics, Interest in Exorcism Is Revived] by Laurie Goodstein (12 November 2010) ''The New York Times''.</ref> They will probably not be trying to revive interest in the 1976 killing of Anneliese Michel by two priests (Ernst Alt and Arnold Renz) via exorcism in [[Germany]].<ref name=Michel>''Lessons Learned: The Anneliese Michel Exorcism'' by John M. Duffey (2011) Wipf & Stock. 1608996646.</ref>

A victim named "Susan" apparently survived an 
assault
 unofficial exorcism conducted by future [[Louisiana]] Governor [[Bobby Jindal]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160409063143/http://www.newoxfordreview.org/article.jsp?did=1294-jindal Beating a Demon: Physical Dimensions of Spiritual Warfare] by Bobby Jindal (December 1994) ''New Oxford Review'' (archived from April 9, 2016).</ref>

One famous case was "Roland Doe", a fourteen-year-old boy in St Louis, USA, who was exorcised several times by multiple priests in the late 1940s. The boy, who was also known as Robbie Manheim, was reportedly brought to St. Louis, [[Missouri]] from [[Maryland]] for treatment. One of the priests, Raymond J. Bishop (not a bishop) wrote a book, ''The Exorcist Diaries'' about the case. It also inspired William Peter Blatty's 1971 novel ''The Exorcist'', which in turn inspired William Friedkin's film of the same name. The exact circumstances have been debated, with various [[journalist]]s and writers (including Mark Opsasnick and Thomas B. Allen) claiming to unravel the hidden truth: most people believe the teenage boy Doe had emotional problems or a [[psychiatric]] condition rather than a demon. It is not clear exactly how many exorcisms were performed, or what their nature was, or even if they took place at all, but it appears likely that Bishop and William S. Bowdern, both priests who also taught at the Catholic St. Louis University, performed some kind of ritual. And the boy seemed to survive OK, with Opsasnick claiming to have contacted him in 2013.<ref>[https://www.distractify.com/p/was-the-exorcism-of-roland-doe-real Did the Exorcism of Roland Doe — aka "The Real" 'Exorcist' Story — Actually Happen?] by Amber Garrett (May. 19 2020, Updated 3:02 p.m. ET) ''Distractify''.</ref>

===Orthodox exorcism===
The [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] also believes in Satan as a created being and a fallen angel with [[free will]] who always chooses to do evil.<ref group=note>If Satan truly is free, why is he incapable of choosing good?</ref> The Devil can possess people and objects. As with Roman Catholics, [[priest]]s do exorcisms and renunciation of the Devil is part of baptism. Lay Orthodox believers are also encouraged to "pray and exorcise evil". There are specific [[prayer]]s for exorcism.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160406204653/http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7079/ Exorcism in the Orthodox Church] by George C. Papademetriou (1996) ''Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America'' (archived from April 6, 2016).</ref> Orthodox exorcism can involve physical restraints on the 
victim
 
patient
 subject.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060406005715/http://paranormal.about.com/od/demonsandexorcism/a/aa031405_2.htm/od/demonsandexorcism/a/aa031405.htm Exorcism in Russia: Deliverances in Russia] by Stephen Wagner, ''About.com'' (archived from April 6, 2006).</ref>

===Protestant exorcism===
Many [[Protestant]] [[fundamentalist]] churches are less regulated in their use of exorcism, leading to violent and occasionally deadly attempts to exorcise unwilling and/or uncomprehending victims.<ref name="Harris">[http://edition.cnn.com/2014/01/19/justice/maryland-exorcism-deaths/ Maryland mom kills 2 of her children during attempted exorcism] by Faith Karimi & Joe Sutton (Updated 0405 GMT; January 20, 2014) ''CNN''.</ref><ref name="Cornici">[https://web.archive.org/web/20140726062457/http://news.discovery.com/human/psychology/priest-involved-in-exorcism-death-released-from-prison-140722.htm Exorcism Death Priest Released from Prison] by Benjamin Radford (Jul 22, 2014 06:00 PM ET) ''Discovery News'' (archived from July 26, 2014).</ref><ref name="Harris2">[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/self-described-demon-assassin-pleads-guilty-to-killing-her-two-youngest-children/2016/09/12/f5d2ddb0-78d4-11e6-beac-57a4a412e93a_story.html Self-described 'demon assassin' pleads guilty to killing her two youngest children] by Dan Morse (September 12, 2016) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> In [[Texas]], forcible exorcism is legal or was legal in 2008.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/06/28/texas-court-approves-traumatic/ Texas court approves traumatic exorcisms] by Pharyngula (Paul Z. Meyers) (June 28, 2008) ''Science Blogs''.</ref>
 
Exorcisms are needed because society 
is often skeptical about the teachings of the more hard-line Christian groups
 has lost its moral compass. According to J. F. Cogan, demonic possession is behind a wide range of happenings, including gay ordination, women's ordination, and even [[spontaneous human combustion]].<ref>[http://space.ilahas.com/ebooks/demonology/Cogan,%20JF%20-%20Demon%20Possession%20Handbook.pdf Demon Possession Handbook: For Human Service Workers] by J. F. "Jeff" Cogan (2004) DiskBooks Electronic Publishing (archived from March 11, 2015).</ref> People can get themselves possessed by a range of activities that [[Christian fundamentalists]] dislike, such as viewing [[porn]], illicit [[sex]], [[homosexuality]], [[drug]] abuse, and even rock music. [[Astrology|Astrologers]] and other [[psychic]]s are vulnerable to demonic possession, as are those who do [[Hinduism|Hindu]] or [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] meditation. Demons may time share; they torment one person, then rush off at a speed slightly below the [[speed of light]] to torment someone else. Therefore, possessed people may be worked up one moment and calm the next when the demon has gone off to a fresh victim.<ref>[http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_exor4.htm Demonic Possession, Oppression & Exorcism: Conservative Protestant Beliefs & Practices] by B.A. Robinson (Latest update: 2006-Nov-30) ''Religious Tolerance''.</ref>
 
In evangelical Protestantism, exorcism is often practiced as part of a broader [[spiritual warfare]] agenda. In an even more ludicrous variety, exorcisms are performed at long distance over the telephone by [[Bob Larson]] or over the television by [[name it and claim it]] preachers ("laaay your hands on the television set").

Protestant exorcism ([[deliverance ministry]]) is frequently a way [[Televangelism|televangelists]] make money; even teenagers do tele-exorcism.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23986595 Teen exorcists: The girls who expel demons on stage] by Lucy Wallis (10 September 2013) ''BBC News''.</ref> Other people also make money through exorcism by selling scary books, etc.

===United Kingdom===
In the UK, exorcisms are increasing; they happen mainly in charismatic and [[Pentecostal]] churches, also among communities of West African origin. Frequently, the people exorcised are psychiatrically disturbed. Psychiatrically ill people are sometimes told to stop their medication, as the church believes prayer and/or exorcism is sufficient. If psychiatric patients do not get better after exorcism, they may believe they have failed to overcome the demon and [[Placebo effect#Nocebo effect|get worse]].<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/05/christian-thinktank-warns-of-rise-in-exorcisms-mental-health  'Spiritual abuse': Christian thinktank warns of sharp rise in UK exorcisms] by Harriet Sherwood (5 Jul 2017 04.47 EDT) ''The Guardian''.</ref>

===Baptismal exorcism===
Some form of exorcism prior to [[baptism]] is common to many forms of Christianity going back to the 4th century: typically with some evil spirit being banished from the baby to let god in.<ref name=burreson/> Baptism includes aspects of exorcism to address the horror of the infant coming into contact with its mother's icky [[sexual]] [[vagina]]: traditional [[misogynistic]] belief held that such contact caused (or allowed) an [[evil]] spirit to enter the child.<ref>[http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_exor2.htm Demonic Possession & Oppression; Exorcism: Roman Catholic beliefs & practices] by B. A. Robinson (Latest update: 2010-Mar-13) ''Religious Tolerance''.</ref><ref group=note>Wait, "evil of the vagina"? That sounds more like [[Shinto]]. {{wpa|Kegare}}</ref>

[[Martin Luther]] revised the baptismal rite to include the hocus-pocus: "I adjure thee, thou unclean spirit, by the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost that thou come out of and depart from this servant of Jesus Christ". However, some Protestants, including [[Huldrych Zwingli]] and [[John Calvin]], rejected this as papal nonsense, and it was dropped from much of [[Lutheranism]] in the 18<sup>th</sup> and 19<sup>th</sup> century.<ref name=burreson>[http://mcsletstalk.org/dealing-with-the-devil/command-unclean-spirit-depart-role-exorcism-lutheran-initiation-rites/ "I command you, you unclean spirit, depart": The Role of Exorcism in Lutheran Initiation Rites] by Kent Burreson (July 3, 2016) ''Metropolitan Chicago Synod: Let's Talk''.</ref> Many varieties of Christianity have chosen to welcome young children in a more friendly way; the Catholic rite of baptism still includes a "prayer of exorcism", but it no longer invokes horror movie imagery.<ref>[http://www.ibreviary.com/m/preghiere.php?tipo=Rito&id=103 Prayers: Rite of baptism for one child] ''iBreviary''.</ref>

==Other religions==
[[File:Sinhalese mask used in exorcism Wellcome L0037217.jpg|thumb|right|165px|A Sinhalese mask used in exorcism, from Sri Lanka]] 
Exorcism is also practiced in other religions. In 2013, three family members in [[Malaysia]] were jailed for crushing a girl to death in an attempted [[Buddhist]] exorcism.<ref name="Chua">[https://web.archive.org/web/20131202015926/http://news.sky.com/story/1175340/malaysia-family-jailed-over-exorcism-death Malaysia: Family Jailed Over 'Exorcism' Death: The parents and an uncle of a two-year-old girl are jailed after crushing her to death while trying to "drive away evil spirits".] (12:11pm UK, 29 November 2013) ''Sky News'' (archived from December 2, 2013).</ref> In 2014, a [[Belgian]] court charged 6 people with the death by [[torture]] of a woman in an [[Islam]]ic exorcism that lasted one month.<ref name="Hachmi">[http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/05/14/214122.html Belgium court charges six people in deadly exorcism of Muslim woman] (14 May 2012) ''Alarabiya News''.</ref>

Exorcism is also found in [[Voodoo]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190822173036/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/7/haiti-ancient-traditions-voodoo/ Haiti: Possessed by Voodoo] by Sharon Guynup (July 7, 2004) ''National Geographic'' (archived from Aug.ust 22, 2019).</ref> and other folk and syncretic religions.{{efn|See for example the Wikipedia article on the Malay {{wpl|dukun||,}} which includes their role as exorcist.}}

In [[Judaism]], {{wpl|Josephus}} reported witnessing an exorcism,<ref>[https://www.biblestudytools.com/history/flavius-josephus/antiquities-jews/book-8/chapter-2.html Flavius Josephus (translated by William Whiston), ''Antiquities of the Jews'' Book 8 Ch. 2 §5.] ''Bible Study Tools''.</ref> though being a decentralized religion that has changed much in the intervening millennia, exorcism has been described throughout Jewish history.<ref>[https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5942-exorcism Exorcism] by Kaufmann Kohler & Ludwig Blau (1906) ''Jewish Encyclopedia''.</ref> In contemporary Judaism, spirit possession and exorcism appears to be restricted to non-[[Western]] (particularly non-Ashkenazi) Jews.<ref>[https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/members/sigs/spirituality-spsig/jews-don%27t-do-that-do-they-kate-loewenthal.pdf Spirit possession: Jews don’t do that, do they?] by Kate Miriam Loewenthal (2012) ''Royal College of Psychiatrists'' (UK).</ref>

==Scientific explanations==
[[Medicine]] and [[psychology]] do not identify any such thing as "possession"; but rather regard the apparent symptoms as [[Mental illness denial|misdiagnosis of different psychological conditions]] or social conditioning. In at least one exorcism that mentalist [[Jan Hellesøe]] witnessed [[Bob Larson]] perform, the subject had previously been diagnosed with a personality disorder, and the results of the exorcism were later replicable purely with [[hypnosis]] on someone else with ''no'' diagnosed psychiatric disorder.<ref>[https://www.dr.dk/tv/se/fuckr-med-dn-hjrne-de-7-doedssynder/fucker-med-din-hjerne-saeson-3/fuckr-med-dn-hjrne-de-7-doedssynder-8-10 Fuckr med dn hjerne: Eksorcisten] Season 3 Episode 8, Danmarks Radio (in a mix of Danish and English)</ref>

Although validity of exorcism would be a tough argument for [[theism]], it surprisingly isn't brought up in debates very much. It could be that even the theists realize that exorcism is [[Bullshit|bollocks]], or it's a [[taboo]] theme among them. Or perhaps it's one of the few areas where they understand that what seems obvious to them isn't obvious to other people. Given that they often do appear to elicit some sort of response from the person undergoing the exorcism, and given that not everyone undergoing an exorcism wants to be undergoing an exorcism (such as those who are [[homosexual]]), one theoretical argument from a scientific perspective could be that the effect of people yelling and screaming at you is enough to elicit an emotional response. 

==Murder==
The job of exorcist would seem to be perfect for a [[psychopath]]ic [[sadist]]. They are usually able to get away with anything short of murder: kidnapping, torture, and general mayhem. Here are some cases where the psychopaths were caught:
*In 1976, one of the most famous exorcism killings occurred: {{wpl|Anneliese Michel}} was starved and dehydrated to death by parents and priests.<ref name="Michel"/> Three films were based on 
true stories
 this case, ''The Exorcism of Emily Rose'', ''Requiem'', and ''Anneliese: The Exorcist Tapes''.
*In 1993, Joan Vollmer died of a heart attack induced by her husband and 2 friends.<ref>[https://archive.is/jdK3g Exorcism of God-fearing Joan Vollmer led to her bizarre and violent death in country Victoria] by Keith Moor (January 30, 2013 12:00AM) ''Herald Sun'' (archived from 3 Nov 2014 22:28:09 UTC).</ref>
*In 1995, Kyong-A Ha was beaten to death by 5 women.<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/5-Women-Accused-of-Murder-In-East-Bay-Exorcism-3040337.php 5 Women Accused of Murder In East Bay Exorcism Death] by Photo of Henry K. Lee (March 17, 1995; Updated: Feb. 4, 2012 7:42 p.m.) ''SFGate''.</ref>
*In 1995, Mary Odegbami was killed by her fiancé, Nicholas Sagunro.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/exorcist-killed-his-fiancee-1523587.html 'Exorcist' killed his fiancee] (23 October 2011 03:59) ''The Independent''.</ref>
*In 1997, Kyung Jae Chung was stomped to death by Jin Hyun Choi under the guise of "anchal [[prayer]]".<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1997-02-22/local/me-31335_1_deacon-pleaded-guilty-friday Deacon Pleads Guilty in Exorcism; Agrees to Testify in Woman's Death] by Ann W. O'Neill (Feb. 22, 1997 12 AM PT) ''Los Angeles Times''.</ref>
*In 1997, Breeann Spickard was beaten to death by Julia Ann Olivas and Esther Rebecca Griggs.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1997/oct/15/local/me-42918 Women Convicted of Killing Girl in Exorcism] by Matea Gold (October 15, 1997) ''Los Angeles Times''.</ref>
*In 1997, Amy Burney was poisoned to death; her mother Angelee Burney and grandmother Rosa Downing were charged.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/20/nyregion/a-family-divided-by-a-child-s-death.html A Family Divided by a Child's Death] by Rachel L. Swarns (May 20, 1997) ''The New York Times''.</ref>
*In 1997, Chua Wan Zuen was crushed to death by 8 people, including family members.<ref name="Chua"/>
*In 1998, Charity Miranda-Martin was asphyxiated; her mother and daughter were charged with murder.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/21/nyregion/sister-of-dead-long-island-teen-ager-offers-account-of-killing-in-exorcism.html Sister of Dead Long Island Teen-Ager Offers Account of Killing in Exorcism] by John T. McQuiston (Jan. 21, 1998) ''The New York Times''.</ref>
*In 2001, Signifagance Oliver was drowned by her mother, Sabrina Wright.<ref>[http://nypost.com/2003/06/26/exorcist-mom-admits-drowning-girl/ 'Exorcist' Mom Admits Drowning Girl] by Laura Italiano (June 26, 2003) ''New York Post''.</ref>
*In 2003, Terrance Cottrell Jr. was suffocated by Ray Hemphill.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/minister-charged-in-exorcism-death/ Minister Charged In Exorcism Death]</ref><ref>[http://www.inclusiondaily.com/archives/04/08/20/082004wicottrell.htm Hemphill Sentenced Over Boy's "Exorcism" Death] by Dave Reynolds (August 20, 2004) ''Inclusion Daily Express''.</ref>
*In 2005, Maricica Irina Cornici, a nun, was crucified. The monk who led the 
murder ceremony
 exorcism only received 7 years' imprisonment.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-monk-gets-7-years-for-botched-exorcism/ Ex-Monk Gets 7 Years For Botched Exorcism] by Dave Reynolds (August 20, 2004) ''Inclusion Daily Express''.</ref><ref name="Cornici"/>
*In 2005, Kousar Bashir was beaten to death by Mohammed Bashir (no relation) and Nourani Sayeed.<ref>[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/human-torch-dad-devastated-by-daughters-1025847 Human torch dad devastated by daughter’s death: A Father haunted by the torture and murder of his daughter during an "exorcism" died after setting himself on fire — just days after the sudden death of his wife.] (09:28, 14 Aug 2007; Updated 02:19, 18 Jan 2013) ''Manchester Evening News''.</ref>
*In 2005, Faranah Essop was beaten to death.<ref>[http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/woman-dies-after-brutal-exorcism-1.254985#.VFU-4db0Q7c Woman dies after brutal exorcism] by Doreen Premdev (Oct 2, 2005) ''Independent Online''.</ref>
*In 2006, Malissa Mayfield was murdered by David Maxwell Shepherd.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090310154753/http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/215444 Occult murder: Man said sex would exorcise demons] (Last updated 00:00 01/01/2009) ''AAP'' via ''Stuff'' (archived from March 10, 2009).</ref>
*In 2007, Janet Moses was drowned; 5 people were found guilty.<ref>[http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23502/verdict-janes-moses-exorcism-death Five people found guilty in Janet Moses exorcism death] (June 13, 2009) ''Religion News Blog''.</ref>
*In 2007, an unnamed granddaughter was strangled to death by Ronald Marquez.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/exorcism-ends-in-deadly-stun-gun-struggle/ Exorcism Ends In Deadly Stun-Gun Struggle] (July 30, 2007 / 7:17 AM) ''CBS News''.</ref>
*In 2008, Jan David Clark was arrested for killing his wife, Susan Kay Clark, who was asphyxiated.<ref>[http://www.religionnewsblog.com/20533/susan-kay-clark Autopsy shows suffocation in exorcism death] (February 5, 2008) ''Religion News Blog''.</ref>
*In 2008, Shashi Devi was beaten to death by relatives.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Ghaziabad_3_men_beat_mother_to_death/articleshow/2989248.cms 3 young men beat mother to death in exorcism ritual] by Lalit Kumar (Apr 28, 2008, 06:08 IST).</ref>
*In 2008, Evelyn Vasquez was fatally slashed by her mother, Nelly Vasquez-Salazar.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/US/Story?id=4626892&page=1 Mom Fatally Slashes 'Demon' Daughter] by David Schoetz (April 13, 2009, 10:05 PM) ''ABC News''.</ref>
*In 2010, Amora Bain Carson was killed by Blaine Keith Milam and mother Jessica Carson.<ref>[http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Conroe-jury-hears-horrific-details-of-injuries-to-1696955.php Conroe jury hears horrific details of injuries to slain baby] by Renée Lee (May 6, 2010; Updated: Aug. 2, 2011 4:01 p.m.) ''Houston Chronicle''.</ref><ref>[http://www.kltv.com/story/12555159/blaine-milam-receives-death-penalty-for-childs-murder Blaine Milam receives death penalty for child's murder] by Morgan Chesky (Published: May. 27, 2010 at 3:57 PM UTC | Updated: May. 28, 2010 at 7:40 PM UTC) ''KLTV''.</ref>
*In 2012, Latifa Hachmi was tortured to death over a period of one month.<ref name="Hachmi"/>
*In 2014, Norell Harris and Zyana Harris were stabbed to death by their mother, Zakieya L. Avery.<ref name="Harris"/><ref name="Harris2"/><ref>[http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Woman-Charged-With-Stabbing-Children-in-Exorcism-Enters-Guilty-Plea-288829341.html Woman Charged With Stabbing Children in 'Exorcism' Enters Guilty Plea] (Published January 16, 2015 • Updated on January 16, 2015 at 10:24 pm) ''4 NBC Washington''.</ref>
* In 2015, Jaqueline Sanchez died from cardiac arrest during an exorcism in San Ignacio, Bolivia. The victim also had bruising and lacerations.<ref>[http://eju.tv/2015/11/san-ignacio-muere-una-mujer-paro-cardiaco-familiares-indican-estaba-poseida/ San Ignacio: Muere una mujer de un paro cardíaco, sus familiares indican que estaba poseída] (25/11/2015-17:23) ''Eju TV''.</ref>
*In 2015, [[German]] police arrested 5 unidentified [[South Korea]]n family members in connection with exorcisms. Two other unidentified South Korean women were found, one dead and the other injured. The victims were bound, gagged, and beaten for hours; the survivor was also suffering from hypothermia.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/09/five-south-koreans-arrested-exorcism-death-frankfurt-germany Five South Koreans held over 'exorcism' death in Germany: Relatives allegedly tied woman to bed, gagged and severely beat her for two hours with the goal of 'driving out the devil'] ''Agence France-Presse'' in Berlin (Wednesday 9 December 2015 13.30 EST) ''The Guardian''.</ref>
*In 2016, Jack Gian Banday, a 5-year old boy, was beaten and strangled to death in the [[Philippines]] during an exorcism ritual inside a church by 3 relatives who were later arrested.<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/766406/3-in-deadly-exorcism-rites-that-killed-5-year-old-boy-nabbed 3 in deadly exorcism rites that killed 5-year-old boy nabbed] (11:00 PM February 19th, 2016) ''Philippine Daily Inquirer''.</ref>
*In 2017, Vilma Trujillo Garcia was burned to death after being thrown naked into flames during an exorcism ritual in Nicaragua.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/03/01/she-was-demonized-nicaraguan-woman-dies-after-being-thrown-into-fire-in-exorcism-ritual/ 'She was demonized': Nicaraguan woman dies after being thrown into fire in exorcism ritual] by Samantha Schmidt (March 1 at 6:16 AM) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>
*In 2018, Juanita Gomez was found guilty of murdering her 33-year old daughter in an exorcism attempt by shoving a [[crucifix]] down her throat.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2018/01/11/she-forced-a-crucifix-down-her-possessed-daughters-throat-now-shes-convicted-of-murder/ She forced a crucifix down her 'possessed' daughter’s throat. Now, she's convicted of murder.] by Marwa Eltagouri (January 12 at 7:14 AM) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>
*In 2018, Vietnamese singer Nguyen Viet Cuong (a.k.a., Chau Viet Cuong) was accused of killing a woman in an exorcism while under the influence of drugs. The woman died from asphyxiation after being force-fed garlic cloves.<ref>[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/vietnamese-singer-arrested-over-woman-s-death-during-exorcism-10018764 Vietnamese singer arrested over woman's death during 'exorcism' ritual: Report] 06 Mar 2018 10:43PM (Updated: 06 Mar 2018 10:50PM) ''Channel NewsAsia''.</ref>
*In 2021, a young girl in California was allegedly killed during an exorcism by her relatives.<ref>[https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/young-girl-who-died-during-2021-san-jose-exorcism-fought-for-her-life-court-documents-say/ oung girl who died during 2021 San Jose "exorcism" by family members fought for her life, court documents say] by Dave Pehling (Updated on: April 9, 2024) ''CBS News''.</ref>
*In 2023, a Taiwanese man was killed during an exorcism.<ref>[https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202312020010#:~:text=12/02/2023%2007:50%20PM.%20A%20man%20has%20died,attempted%20saliva%20extraction%2C%20local%20police%20said%20Saturday. Man dies during forced exorcism performed by parents, brother] (12/02/2023 07:50 PM) ''Focus Taiwan''.</ref>
*In 2023, Joseph Paul Wilson and Jodi Ann Wilson were accused of murdering their son during an exorcism.<ref>[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/north-carolina-couple-accused-performing-exorcism-child-4-died-rcna67721 North Carolina couple accused of performing 'exorcism' on child, 4, who died] by Minyvonne Burke (Jan. 26, 2023, 1:39 PM PST) ''NBC News''.</ref>
*In 2025, Rhonda Paulynice of Florida was charged with homicide without premeditation of her son.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/06/03/florida-mom-rhonda-paulynice-killed-son-exorcism/84006617007/ A mom has been charged with her son's death. She says God told her to 'exorcise demons'.] by Saleen Martin & Will Greenlee (June 3, 2025) ''USA Today''.</ref>

==External links==
*Catholic Encyclopedia: [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05709a.htm Exorcism]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140517062259/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmP_AKDHPKE An example of] 
acting
 exorcism.

==See also==
*[[Brainwashing]] 
*[[Cold reading]]
*[[Deliverance ministry]]
*[[Demonic possession]]
*[[Ghost]] 
*[[Seán Manchester]]
*[[Satanic Panic]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

[[Category:Ableism]]
[[Category:Horror]]
[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Paranormal]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:We're on a mission from God]]

Categories: Ableism, Horror, Magic, Paranormal, Religion, We're on a mission from God