Interview with Father Andrew Calder
Wednesday April 23, 2008 8:19 AM
Andrew Calder appeared in an episode of "Paranormal State" titled "Devil in Syracuse." He and I recently spoke about his involvement with exorcisms.
Emily: How long have you been an Episcopal priest?
Andrew: I have been an Episcopal Priest for the past five years, before that I was a deacon within our order. I have been involved in paranormal cases for about the past 10 or so years.
Emily: What got you interested in demonology and the paranormal?
Andrew: I got involved in the paranormal like most people, wanting to know more about ghosts, hauntings and the like. While investigating cases, I came across a higher than average amount of people suffering from negative cases. And due to such, tried to find people to help them, but found there was not many folks, groups, people out there to provide any kind of legitimate help at that time. So began my journey with the negative and with God — which unfolded over the years.
Emily: Most people associate exorcisms with the Catholic faith, what differences, if any, are there between your approach to exorcisms and the Catholic approach?
Andrew: One thing I have to say, and nothing against Catholics or Catholicism, but Catholics do not have a monopoly on exorcism. Every known Christian faith has some form of deliverance/exorcism and is capable of doing such. Although not many [clergy] are aware of this and it is not taught in many of the bible schools or seminaries, it can be done by other Christian faiths. The only main differences you will see mostly is that we have the capability to use more charismatic methodologies than what the Catholic does; most of theirs is a prescribed written formula, that they do not vary form, no matter what.
Emily: Several well-known paranormal investigators have claimed in recent years that the number of possessions are on the rise. Do you think the number of demonic cases is rising in recent years/decades? If so, why?
Andrew: The amount of demonic cases of infestation and possessions (although the rarer of the two) is definitely on the rise. I attribute this to the huge interest in new age beliefs, delving into areas people should leave well enough alone, communicating with spirits, ouija boards and such is at an all time high. And ghost hunting plays a part in this as well. Many ghost hunters do not take precautions when undertaking cases. And many, especially those with psychic orientations, do not believe that anything negative or demonic exists. Just because you don't believe ducks exist doesn't mean they don't, now does it? I have worked with a number of paranormal researchers over the years that have become victims themselves of demonic hauntings, infestations and, unfortunately, some have suffered from possession as well.
Emily: What kind of toll can an exorcism take on the person performing one?
Andrew: It can do a lot of things, including but not limited to showing up in your own home, affecting you and your family and or loved ones, sometimes for years to come.
