A priest experienced in exorcisms has revealed what he believes to be the most frequently encountered form of possession.

Reverend Chris Lee, who serves as the Anglican priest-in-charge at St Saviour’s Church in England, has shed light on the concept of spiritual oppression, which he claims is much more prevalent than complete demonic possession.

He explained that this type of oppression manifests as a subtle yet ongoing influence of malevolence that impacts an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and spiritual health.

Unlike full possession, where a demon supposedly takes control of a person’s body, oppression involves a persistent presence of negativity or disruption.

This can manifest as feelings of fear, anxiety, restlessness, or a sense of being spiritually encumbered.

In an interview with UNILAD, Lee likened it to the residual grime left by a puddle. The individual isn’t completely overtaken, but remnants of a harmful influence linger, impacting daily life.

For most cases, Lee emphasized, prayer, blessing and spiritual cleansing are the typical ways to alleviate oppression.

Despite the rarity of full possession, Lee revealed he has seen real demons cast out, describing the experiences as tangible and unmistakable.

‘I have seen exorcism, I’ve seen demons be cast out of people and heard them speak, and it is real.’

Reverend Chris Lee, a Christian minister at the Church of England, revealed he has been a part of numerous exorcisms 

Merriam-Webster defines oppression as ‘to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority’ or ‘to burden spiritually or mentally: weigh heavily upon.’ 

According to Lee, this is the method the devil most often uses to influence people today. 

He explained that evil seeks to weigh believers down with the pressures and worries of everyday life, from anxiety over their children’s well-being to frustration in their relationships or discontent with their personal circumstances

The goal, Lee said, is to disrupt a person’s spiritual life and weaken their connection with their faith. 

Lee explained that in his view, the spiritual realm is real and populated by both angels and demons.   

He stressed that Christians are called to engage with this realm through the working of the Holy Spirit, rather than through occult practices or games like tarot cards or Ouija boards, which can leave people vulnerable to harmful influences.

In terms of practical impact, oppression can manifest in subtle ways: emotional weight, persistent anxiety, feelings of spiritual heaviness or difficulty finding peace. 

These are the forms of spiritual interference that ministers encounter most often, far more than dramatic or violent possession cases seen in movies or sensational media accounts.

The reverend said that spiritual oppression was far more common than full demonic possession

Lee explained that ongoing prayer, spiritual guidance, and participation in church sacraments are key methods of relief. 

He recounted witnessing powerful manifestations in Africa, where some individuals displayed unusual behaviors, including speaking in multiple voices, but emphasized that these dramatic cases are rare exceptions.

Catholic Church exorcism rites are official rituals performed by a trained priest to expel or protect a person from demonic influence. 

Major exorcisms, reserved for cases of full possession or severe spiritual oppression, require authorization from a bishop and involve prayers, Scripture readings and the use of holy objects like crucifixes or holy water. 

Minor exorcisms, which are far more common, are included in sacraments such as baptism and consist of prayers of blessing, protection, and deliverance.

‘The Church has specialists [in] deliverance and exorcists in every diocese,’ Lee said. 

‘We have a process which is to protect people because there is a degree of making sure that this isn’t a mental health issue, that this isn’t a concerning or vulnerable person that can be manipulated by someone in a place of power, so you have to be really careful with it.’

However, scientists have suggested that such individuals are only plagued by psychological disorders. 

Other research has determined that the possession syndrome was a result of psychological factors like severe mental illness, trauma, mass hysteria, or cultural beliefs. 

But these suggestions have not stopped Lee and other priests from fighting evil.

He highlighted that rituals such as baptism include exorcism rites, where a priest lays hands on the person or child and prays for deliverance from darkness, a process that occurs frequently and routinely. 

The minister stressed that engagement with the spiritual realm must be done carefully and through faith; improper methods can leave individuals vulnerable to manipulation or spiritual harm. 

According to Lee, the power of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are central to safely navigating spiritual encounters.