AN exorcism is to be staged on television in which a young man who claims he is possessed by evil will be scientifically observed while a priest “drives out” his demons.

The man will be wired up to equipment in a studio to monitor what happens to his brain activity during the exorcism.

Channel 4 argues that its programme has a serious scientific purpose and is not merely a stunt — scientists as well as priests will be on hand.

Some critics, however, claim it gives credence to superstition and will exploit someone who is likely to be mentally fragile. They argue that it may encourage others to blame their psychiatric illnesses on evil spirits.

The exorcism will be broadcast “as live” next week, moments after it takes place. Channel 4 has a reputation for televising medical procedures previously thought too harrowing to broadcast. Last year it screened an abortion, while in 2002 it showed an autopsy.

The channel aims to dispel the popular image of exorcism, still strongly associated with The Exorcist, the 1973 horror film in which a 12-year-old girl is possessed by a demon.

The exorcism will be performed by an Anglican priest who has been practising what he calls “healing” for many years. The subject has already been seeking the priest’s advice for several years over what he regards as evil spirits.

While the priest is likely to be named on air, the subject will probably be referred to only by his first name. Many clerics who carry out exorcisms are reluctant to discuss them in public for fear of being thought too far out of the mainstream.

“It’s the hidden ministry in the Church of England,” said the Rev Tom Willis, who has carried out exorcisms in Yorkshire for more than 35 years. He said every diocese has priests able to perform exorcisms.

People who undergo exorcism range from those complaining of hearing voices to those who have dabbled in the occult and want to be rid of it.

Before carrying out an exorcism, priests are supposed to check that the subject does not have a medical condition such as schizophrenia.

Even in the church, however, many are worried about the practice and believe that subjects are more likely to be mentally ill than possessed.

“People who need this sort of help are nearly always psychologically troubled,” said Dominic Walker, Bishop of Monmouth. “Once you’ve got a television programme on exorcism we’ll end up with lots of telephone calls from people saying, ‘I think I’m possessed’, because they have got some problems that a doctor hasn’t been able to solve.”

The Church of England is reserving judgment about the programme until it has seen it. “There are very careful pastoral decisions made by priests about exactly what circumstances it’s right to offer this ministry,” said a spokesman.

“Exorcisms are carried out regularly in Britain and some scientists who have studied religious experiences believe that measuring brain activity could reveal what’s going on during the process,” said Simon Andreae, Channel 4’s head of science.

The programme will go out after the 9pm watershed to fall within the guidelines of Ofcom, the media regulator.

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