UnHerd with Freddie Sayers

Episode: The boom in British exorcisms

Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Florence Read (on behalf of UnHerd)
Guests:

• Dr. Francis Young, historian and author of A History of Exorcism in Catholic Christianity
• Reverend Dr. Jason Bray, Dean of Llandaff Cathedral and Anglican deliverance minister
• Professor Helen Hall, Associate Professor at Nottingham Law School, Anglican priest, and expert in law and religion

Episode Overview

This episode explores the surprising resurgence of exorcisms — particularly in Britain but also more broadly in Western countries — since the pandemic era. Host Florence Read interviews three experts to trace the historical roots of exorcism in the Church of England, examine the lived practice of Anglican deliverance ministry, and interrogate the legal, social, and safeguarding implications of the current exorcism boom in a multi-faith, multicultural society. Throughout, the episode considers why Gen Z and younger generations are increasingly drawn to supernatural beliefs and practices, how official churches are responding, and what risks and questions arise when exorcism becomes widespread.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The History and Evolution of Exorcism in the English Church (w/ Dr. Francis Young)

[03:10 – 24:27]

Ancient Roots and Christian Context

• Exorcism is a practice as "ancient as the written word," dating back to Mesopotamian times, and is referenced in both Jewish tradition and the New Testament (03:10).
• The term’s etymology, exorchao, implies invoking a god’s authority, illustrating the tension between magic and religion.

Exorcism in the Church of England

• Historically, exorcism was central to early Christian practice and embedded in baptism liturgies, though often ritualized and losing practical significance over time.
• The English Reformation saw debate: some Anglicans wanted to rival Catholics by demonstrating equivalent spiritual power; others (like Archbishop Parker, John Fox) opposed exorcism, leading to its effective prohibition from 1604 (04:53).
• Exorcism revived only in the mid-20th century, notably during WWII with figures like Gilbert Shaw. Official guidelines were absent until the 1970s, and only in 1969 was the old banished canon abolished entirely (07:38).
• The 1974 Ossett murder case — where a man committed murder following a failed exorcism — prompted new Church of England safeguarding protocols (08:35).

“It creates an absolute free for all… clergy can exorcise, they can do whatever they want if they so choose.” — Dr. Francis Young [08:11]

Safeguarding and Controversy

• Today, exorcisms require a bishop’s authorization, with each diocese appointing a Deliverance Advisor. The Church prefers the term "deliverance" to "exorcism" (09:10).
• Tensions remain: some clergy see exorcism as outdated or morally troubling, especially in relation to safeguarding the vulnerable (10:00).

"Any adult who says, I believe that I'm possessed by a demon is… a vulnerable person… to exploitation or to abuse." — Dr. Francis Young [10:44]

Child Exorcism

• Child exorcisms are strongly prohibited in today’s Church of England, though cases did occur in the 1970s-1990s (12:12).

Anglican Vs. Catholic Practice

• Anglo-Catholics often mimic Catholic ritual; charismatics favor spontaneous, scripture-based prayers.
• Some liberal Anglicans see deliverance as potentially therapeutic, regardless of belief in literal demons (13:45).

Why the Boom Now?

• Interest in the supernatural is sharply up — especially among younger generations and clergy, linked to broader spiritual hunger and countercultural religious commitment (15:41).
• Post-pandemic, the “spiritual marketplace” is more accessible on social media, with people dabbling in practices found on TikTok or YouTube getting “disturbed by… perceived kind of spiritual influence” (17:27).

2. First-Hand Perspectives on Deliverance Ministry (w/ Rev. Dr. Jason Bray)

[24:58 – 34:48]

Entry into Deliverance

• Many Anglican deliverance ministers have had personal “paranormal” experiences that shape their vocation (25:26).

What a Deliverance Looks Like

• Requests for deliverance (exorcism) are logged with the bishop for insurance; ministers then interview the affected person, seek to reassure, and may perform rituals like blessing holy water and the house (25:57).
• The “deliverance” ritual is more pastoral and low-key than sensational, focused on reassurance and presence.

Common Triggers for Deliverance Requests

• Most cases relate to “haunted houses,” poltergeist activity, or persistent visions/apparitions, often linked to psychological stress or trauma (26:49).
• Requests for personal (demonic) exorcism are less frequent but not unknown.

Diagnostic Criteria for Demonic Possession

• Three main signs: unnatural strength, arcane knowledge (e.g., personal facts the person shouldn’t know), and xenoglossy (speaking languages never studied) (27:52).

“We are looking for somebody who has preternatural strength… knowledge of stuff they shouldn’t know… and a weird knowledge of languages they’ve never studied” — Rev. Dr. Jason Bray [27:52]

Shifting Religious Climate

• Gen Z and broader society seek deeper, more 'authentic' spiritual experience, and are more open to supernatural aspects — unlike previous decades, which were more skeptical or minimal in religious commitments (29:01).

Memorable Case Study

• Example: A woman experiencing the sensation of rats eating her (interpreted as spiritual), finally revealed to have severe anxiety about an undiagnosed bowel condition. After prayers, her symptoms dissipated (30:38).

Risks & Unregulated Exorcism

• Dangers arise from rogue exorcism practices (including by other faith groups), online exorcism, or so-called "conversion therapy" exorcism targeting sexuality — these are both dangerous and ineffective (32:48).

“Treating mental health as if it’s a paranormal thing—that’s just simply not going to work at all.” — Rev. Dr. Jason Bray [33:30]

Is it a Lasting Trend?

• There’s no certainty whether the exorcism boom will grow or recede; it’s part of a larger search for spiritual balance in the church (33:58).

3. Legal, Ethical, and Social Landscape (w/ Professor Helen Hall)

[36:25 – 48:57]

The Broader Rise in Exorcisms

• Exorcism demand and discussion have risen in Britain and abroad since the 60s/70s, fueled by popular films, conspiracy theories (like Satanic Panic and QAnon), and the greater multicultural and multifaith character of modern Britain (36:38).
• Practices now include not only official Anglican deliverance but also exorcisms in Islamic, neo-pagan, and other traditions (36:38).

Anglicanism and Exorcism

• Anglican exorcism, though never central, was always allowed "with permission from the bishop" — not an alien practice (38:28).
• Since the 1970s, the Church of England has sought to conduct exorcisms in consultation with medical professionals and with strict safeguarding rules, especially after earlier scandals and abuses (38:28).

Mental Health and Exorcism

• There's high risk that exorcism can do harm — especially for the mentally ill — if it’s done carelessly and reinforces unhealthy beliefs (38:50).
• Distrust of conventional medicine and increased openness about personal struggles may drive people to seek spiritual rather than psychiatric help (40:02).

Why Non-Mainstream Spiritualities Flourish

• Contrary to stereotypes, people throughout British history have sought alternative spiritual solutions, even in urban areas — and now (in a less judgmental age), it's more socially acceptable to admit to these beliefs (41:05).

What Do Modern Exorcisms Actually Involve?

• Anglican (and Catholic) exorcisms are far from Hollywood clichés — they are carefully vetted, mostly involve pastoral care and refer serious cases to medical professionals (42:44).
• Other traditions, or less regulated Christian groups, may approach things very differently, sometimes increasing risks or abuses (43:20).

Safeguarding Challenges in a Multicultural Society

• Multicultural complexity means authorities may hesitate to intervene in cases of abuse disguised as “religious practice” for fear of being accused of cultural insensitivity.
• Example: The tragic murder of Victoria Climbié, where safeguarding failures were compounded by cultural misunderstandings and reluctance to appear racist (45:09).

Balancing Rights and Protections

• The crucial question is where to draw the line between respecting religious/spiritual freedoms and protecting vulnerable adults and children from abuse (44:18).
• Ongoing challenges include creating common safeguarding standards across all traditions, and training authorities to distinguish acceptable practice from abuse (47:38).

“[T]here’s still definitely work to be done… I’m in favour of encouraging voluntary guidelines on exorcism that could be taken up across the board.” — Professor Helen Hall [47:51]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Is it from the world of magic or is it something that belongs to the world of religion? Exorcism… still today straddles those two worlds.”
  — Dr. Francis Young [03:31]

• “Any adult who says ‘I believe that I'm possessed by a demon’ is… a vulnerable person… to exploitation or to abuse.”
  — Dr. Francis Young [10:44]

• “We are looking for somebody who has preternatural strength… knowledge of stuff they shouldn’t know… and a weird knowledge of languages they’ve never studied.”
  — Rev. Dr. Jason Bray [27:52]

• “There is also a mental health epidemic out there, and… treating mental health as if it’s a paranormal thing—that’s just simply not going to work at all.”
  — Rev. Dr. Jason Bray [33:30]

• “[T]here are instances… perceived as problematic… when within a particular culture, they are just accepted and relatively normal… and… of intervention not happening… because of fear of being perceived as racist or culturally insensitive.”
  — Professor Helen Hall [45:09]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:10] — Dr. Francis Young traces the ancient history of exorcism
• [08:35] — The Ossett murder case and its effect on Church of England policy
• [10:44] — Exorcism, vulnerability, and safeguarding
• [13:45] — Styles of exorcism: Catholic vs. Anglican, ritual vs. charismatic
• [17:27] — Social media and the new “spiritual marketplace”
• [25:26] — Rev. Dr. Jason Bray: How an Anglican becomes a deliverance minister
• [27:52] — Three signs of demonic possession according to Anglican deliverance ministry
• [30:38] — Memorable case: “Rats under the bedclothes” and the intersection of anxiety and supernatural belief
• [32:48] — Risks of unregulated exorcism & dangers of online/“conversion” practices
• [36:38] — Professor Helen Hall on the rise of exorcism across faiths/society
• [38:28] — Anglicanism’s official position and safeguards on exorcism
• [42:44] — What a modern Anglican exorcism actually looks like (not like the movies)
• [45:09] — Victoria Climbié case: cultural insensitivity and safeguarding tragedy
• [47:51] — The need for education, empowerment, and cross-faith safeguarding guidelines

Conclusion

The episode offers an in-depth, multidimensional exploration of Britain’s contemporary exorcism boom. Far from a simple return of superstition, the trend reflects new generational searches for meaning, increased cultural and religious diversity, and the impact of pandemic-era isolation. The experts agree on the need for better regulation, nuanced pastoral sensitivity, caution around mental health, and creative efforts to balance spiritual liberty with essential safeguarding. Ultimately, exorcism serves as a lens for understanding broader shifts in belief, church strategy, and social anxieties in 21st-century Britain.