Killing after exorcism

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33804, 29 March 1975, Page 17

Killing after exorcism

X Z Pre** .4>mm kiHoii —(.ttpurtQhl I LOX DOX. Criticism is growing in Britain over a seven-hour exorcism ceremony conducted hy tvvo clergymen, after which the subject of the ceremony went home and killed his wife.

In Leeds Crown Court, on Tuesday, Michael Taylor, aged 31, a father of five, was found not guilty of the murder of his wife Christine, on October 5, on the grounds of insanity. The court had been told by a psychiatrist that the exorcism ceremony had led to the murder and that psychiatric help for Taylor should have been sought. After the court case the Barnsley Methodist Minister, the Rev. Raymond Smith, who took part in the exorcism ceremony spoke of “mud sticking to the hands of the throwers." He claimed that criticisms made in court seemed, "less than professional and sensaI tional to a degree.” Mr Smith claimed there was no reason why he should consider resigning from his position. I The Barnsley Anglican [clergyman, the Rev. Peter Vincent, who was also named

as taking part in the ceremony. is due to meet the Bishop of Wakefield (the Right Rev. Eric I reacyl Mr Vincent said that as far as he knew he and the bishop would be the onlypeople at the meeting "unless he (the bishop) decides . to call in expert advice." Asked if he was an exorcist, Mr Vincent replied. "Good gracious no. I am simply a parish priest." The former vice-provost of Southwark Cathedral. Canon John Pearce Higgins, described the two clergymen as “blasted meddlers." Those who were taking part in the ceremony probably thought they were doing some good ‘‘but they must have been making the situation worse.” he said. “The blasted meddlers will dabble about in demonism, not knowing what they are doing, or what might happen The damage it can do is immeasurable.”