UnHerd with Freddie Sayers The boom in British exorcisms
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Mar 12, 2026 Professor Helen Hall, law scholar and Anglican priest, outlines safeguarding and legal complexities. Reverend Dr. Jason Bray, deliverance minister and Dean of Llandaff, describes modern practical rituals and case examples. Dr. Francis Young, historian of Christian exorcism, gives historical context. They discuss the surge in demand, Gen Z’s interest, social media’s role, multicultural influences, and risks around unregulated practices.
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Anglican Exorcism Went From Ban To Regulated Deliverance
- The Church of England oscillated on exorcism: discouraged after 1604, revived mid-20th century, then regulated after a 1970s tragedy.
- Francis Young explains 1975 guidelines created diocesan deliverance advisors and later refinements in 2012 and 2024.
Pandemic And Social Media Fueled A Spiritual Marketplace
- The pandemic amplified spiritual searching: more time at home, more time online, and a chaotic 'spiritual marketplace' fueled by TikTok and YouTube.
- Francis Young links rising haunt reports to people noticing more at home and trying occult practices found online.
Exorcism Peaks When Churches Face Identity Crises
- Exorcism spikes during crises because religion seeks meaning and identity; current revival ties to secularization stalling and a religious marketplace.
- Francis Young argues exorcism helps churches demonstrate unique ministries to stay relevant.