Christianity Around The World
Priest Sues Catholic Commentators Over Alleged Defamation Regarding Exorcism Credentials
From Catholic News Agency · October 21, 2026
Father Carlos Martins, host of "The Exorcist Files," filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against Jesse Romero, Kyle Clement, and Catholic Resource Center Inc. Martins alleges that during podcast episodes in late 2024, the defendants made defamatory statements claiming he is not an exorcist. The complaint asserts these statements harmed his credibility, affected book sales, and caused financial losses through the loss of advertisers and listeners.
The defendants deny the allegations of publishing false or misleading information, maintaining it is their strongly held belief that Martins is not an exorcist. They have characterized his travels to perform exorcisms as improper. A U.S. District Judge recently denied a motion to dismiss the case, noting that one defendant's statements appeared to cross the line from opinion into statements of fact regarding an email from Martins' religious society. The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages for reputation and emotional distress, remains pending.
A Note From The Quantum Disciple: Part of this story does not align with what the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) teaches from Scripture. We encourage you to study these passages for yourself.
Exorcism as a Christian Practice: The story centers on a dispute regarding the authority and validity of performing exorcisms. While the LCMS confesses that Christ gave His church the power to cast out demons (Matthew 10:8), the practice of exorcism is not a sacrament or a standard public ministry in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The story presents this practice as a legitimate professional credential and ministry role, which differs from the LCMS's confessional stance that such acts are not part of the normal administration of the means of grace. Read Matthew 10:8; Mark 16:17.
A factual summary prepared by The Quantum Disciple. The original report belongs to its publisher.