World’s Evangelicals Call for Child Protection Against Reckless "Exorcism"
The Evangelical Alliance United Kingdom (EAUK) and the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA) urged Christians to “reject any practice that leads to the physical psychological or emotional abuse of children” in a statement condemning “child abuse in the name of exorcism.”
“The Evangelical Alliance and the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance reject any practice that leads to the physical, psychological or emotional abuse of children,” Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, said on March 1, 2005. “The welfare of children cannot be compromised.”
At the same time, the EAUK acknowledged the exorcism does have a biblical basis, and that its practice – in and of itself – is not shunned.
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“However, exorcism does have a biblical basis and is not limited exclusively to any particular branch of the Christian church,” Edwards said. “Its practice has been documented in all major faiths over many centuries.
“But we would also stress that churches undertaking this kind of ministry should be scrupulous and transparent, exercising discernment between spiritual and psychological needs and act in the best interests of the individuals concerned. The practice of exorcism is not only a challenge to the church it is also a reminder of the reality of evil with which our society is often ill at ease,” he continued.
According to the EAUK, membership in both alliances require churches and organizations to “demonstrate their commitment to children” by having an “effective child protection policy in place within a year of joining.”
Rev Katei Kirby, General Manager of the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance, explained that child protection and understanding must be a foremost priority for churches in the area.
"A lot of good work has been done in the area of child protection but we still need to ensure that churches and local agencies have a better understanding of each other's role in the community,” said Kirby. “ACEA sees co-operation with church leaders, social services and the police as an important step in ensuring churches in this country are safe places for children to attend and that no practice within the church leads to abuse in the home. Building on our work with the NSPCC and organizations such as AFRUCA, we want to make sure that everyone concerned is aware of child protection issues and have policies and procedures in place."
Established in 1984, the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA) exists to reflect Black Christian Faith in Britain and to promote unity, understanding and reconciliation amongst all Christians in the UK. Working through Commissions and Activity Units, ACEA resources, networks and represents its members.
The Evangelical Alliance UK, formed in 1846, is an umbrella group representing over one million evangelical Christians in the UK and is made up of member churches, organisations and individuals. As part of a 'movement for change', the Alliance promotes unity and truth, acts as an evangelical voice to the state, society and the wider Church, and provides resources to help members and other evangelicals live out their faith in their communities.
