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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hi Fr.Kevin,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>To start with I don`t see the deliverance ministry
in terms of à demons under the bed ` philosophy as in McCarthyism with
Communism. Deliverance ministry is the end result of much other skilled
consideration, counselling, listening, psychology and discernment,among others.
It is a ministry of last resort. For if used inappropriately it can have quite
the reverse effect to that which was intended. Also, I think the deliverance
ministry got a bad press some years ago, and has never really recovered. Church
leaders see it as being a bit too risky and best avoided. The term
`exorcist`has almost disappeared from church talk, so deliverance is being, like
so many other things like death and terminal illness,
sanitised. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I think it is relevant in the church of today in
that the dimension of evil - however one may understand that concept - is
largely absent from homilies. A largely one sided Gospel is preached full
of theological surmise and social commentary but giving little, if any,
information, teaching, reassurance, etc. about the healing ministry in all it`s
many dimensions. For it to `take off`again` ( for it was fully functional in the
early church) requires leadership by preaching and by example. That can only
come, I think, from the Bishops of the church. Many of them pay lip service to
the principal of healing, but that is all and it is seen for what it is, a
sham.In a sense this answers your second question addressed to all. For healing
to operate as a usual part of parish life does depend on authoritative
leadership. I know I didn`t go along those lines myself, but just got on with
it.Maybe more us should do the same ?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I`ve rambled on for too long I`m
afraid.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Pax Vobiscum.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Fr.Peter</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>