I was very interested to read that a new local village doctor told the mother of a little girl with learning difficulties she might be possessed by demons and talked about exorcism ("The medic", The Argus Weekend, December 1).

We seem to have forgotten that certain aspects of human behaviour are not controlled by bodily malfunction or psychiatric disorder but seem to be influenced by malignant spirits who take over human personalities and need spiritual means of treatment.

Not all diseases are caused by evil spirits and there is a clear distinction between mental disorder and demonic influence. Exorcism should only be resorted to when both physical and mental illness have been eliminated by careful medical examination.

The Gospels clearly distinguish between Jesus Christ's healing miracles and the casting out of demons. His motivation was love for the victims of demon possession and he relied not on techniques but the power of the Holy Spirit. He took no money from his patients and dealt with the whole person - body, soul and spirit.

On at least two occasions in my ministry, I have been engaged with members of the medical profession in the ministry of exorcism and have seen people set free from the grip of malignant forces. We do not use mumbo-jumbo, elaborate ritual or frightening techniques but take authority in the name and power of Christ and command the evil spirits to leave the person. Above all, we seek to be motivated by love for both patient and relatives.

-Reverend John Webster, Gleton Avenue, Hove