Exorcist’s UFO Comments Lead to Church Action
A significant shift occurred in the Archdiocese of Washington as a well-known Christian exorcist was dismissed from his position, following controversial statements about UFOs potentially being linked to demonic forces.
On June 3, Cardinal Robert McElroy announced the removal of Monsignor Stephen Rossetti from his role as an exorcist. Rossetti, a priest affiliated with the Diocese of Syracuse in New York, had been serving in this capacity for 19 years. His dismissal followed comments made in a recent online video that suggested a link between UFO sightings and demonic activity.
The Archdiocese also terminated its association with the St Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, a Catholic non-profit organization based in Washington and led by Rossetti. The center is known for offering spiritual education and training to clergy, religious communities, and laypeople.
The controversial remarks were made in a YouTube video posted on May 29, where Rossetti shared his belief that “many, if not most, [UFO] sightings are, in fact, demons.” He elaborated that such entities possess abilities beyond human capabilities, including speed and other phenomena.
Cardinal McElroy’s statement on behalf of the Archdiocese highlighted that Rossetti’s comments “gravely undermine the Church’s very precise teaching on the devil, demons, and exorcism.” Additionally, the Cardinal expressed disapproval of the St Michael Center’s recent social media activities, though specifics were not provided.
In response to these actions, Rossetti expressed his sorrow and acknowledged the concerns raised by the Archdiocese. “I ask forgiveness for any ways that I have not been faithful to the teachings of the Church’s magisterium, particularly in the cited video on ‘aliens and the demonic’,” he stated.
Reflecting on his nearly two decades of service, Rossetti expressed gratitude for his tenure with the Archdiocese of Washington. “I am grateful for 19 years of ministering in the Archdiocese of Washington as its exorcist and I thank the archdiocese for its support and blessing all these years,” he mentioned, adding, “We will remember the cardinal and all in [the archdiocese] in our prayers for its important ministry.”
Despite this separation, Rossetti indicated that the St Michael Center would continue its work independently. “The St Michael Center plans to continue its ministry elsewhere,” he remarked.
Following the controversy, the YouTube video that led to the Archdiocese’s decision was made private. This move by the Archdiocese underscores its intent to remain aligned strictly with official Church teachings.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
