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Professional exorcists say Skype exorcisms don't work

“They just can’t be done that way,” says Reverend Isaac Kramer of the International Catholic Association of Exorcists.

By Evan Bleier
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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 29 (UPI) -- During an appearance on Anderson Cooper’s CNN show, Evangelical Christian Reverend Bob Larson explained that he performs Internet exorcisms via Skype.

“In simple terms,” Larson said “an exorcism is the process of expelling an evil spirit from an individual who has somehow become invaded or demonized or possessed by that demon.”

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But the director of an organization that trains and ordains new exorcists said that the Scottsdale, Ariz., reverend’s alleged Skype exorcisms are an Internet scam.

“They just can’t be done that way,” said Reverend Isaac Kramer of the International Catholic Association of Exorcists. “If a person is fully possessed, the demon inside of them will not let them sit in front of the computer screen to be exorcised. Chances are, they’re going to throw the computer screen across the room and destroy everything.”

“It would be like trying to perform a baptism on someone through the telephone," he added.

According to Larson’s website, Skype exorcisms are ”your chance to receive ministry…from the quiet and comfort of your own home…Experience healing and delivery at YOUR CONVENIENCE.”

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He apparently thinks pop singer Katy Perry could use one. “Today, she's an erotic pop star whose life has spiritually crashed and burned,” Larson wrote in a blog post. “But for her, and whoever else once served the Lord and now serves Satan, I have three words: God is merciful. He still loves you and will always be there for you to turn to Him.”

No matter what Larson claims, exorcism experts aren’t buying it. “An exorcism is a religious rite,” said author and exorcism expert Thomas Allen. ”Neither Skype nor the Internet could possibly be used.”

Here’s Larson’s video:

[Anderson Cooper 360°] [Vocativ] [Bob Larson]

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