Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
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International Association of Exorcists | Terri | Sunday, January 24, 2010 |
Question: I read your answer that only clergy are allowed membership. I have found in a fer website of lay people that claim auxilliary membership in the above referenced association?Also would you have their website or address? Thank you |
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Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM
Dear Terri: The International Association of Exorcists membership is restricted only to those priests who have been appointed as exorcists by their Bishops and have their Bishop's permission to join the association. The only references I have ever seen to an alleged "Lay Associate (or Auxiliary) Membership" comes from those claiming the title for themselves. I have not seen any evidence of a Lay Associate/Auxiliary membership from any credible source. Unless a member of the Association or other official authority confirms the existence of a Lay Associate/Auxiliary status, we should presume that such a status does exist, even if someone claims the status. The priestly exorcist members, however, may bring with them to meetings their "lay assistants", but this is not the same thing as an official member status as a Lay Associate/Auxiliary. In the U.S. Congress, for example, you will see a Congressman's aide sitting behind him in Congressional hearings. Because these aides are present at Congressional meetings does not make them members, nor associate/auxiliary members, of Congress. These aides are not Lay Associates or Auxiliaries of Congress, they have no membership in Congress at all. They are employees and interns of Congressmen. The same goes for "assistants" to priestly exorcists. The burden of proof is on anyone claiming to be an Lay Associate/Auxiliary of the International Association of Exorcists to prove this status. I have seen people claim it, but never prove it. Until some official confirmation is presented I think we should avoid those who claim to be Lay Associates or Auxiliaries. If such a membership status does exist, then praise God. God Bless,
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