Deliverance And Exorcism

Deliverance ministry is intended to heal through setting people free from demonic influence over their behavior and emotions. This entry presents specific guidelines and cautions with respect to the conduct of deliverance ministry. Within the Roman Catholic church, a distinction is made between exorcism and deliverance. Exorcism is a formal ecclesiastical prayer to free a person possessed by evil spirits and requires the permission of the bishop. Deliverance, on the other hand, frees a person from oppression by evil spirits and is a relatively common occurrence. In the Protestant community, the term exorcism is rarely used, but some charismatic ministries are known for their emphasis on deliverance. Deliverance ministry is more often avoided than pursued by the clergy. It is much easier and less frightening to pray for healing than to command evil spirits and do battle with supernatural powers. However, there are some people who cannot be helped without being delivered from the pow…