Chilean bishops requests study on satanic groups

Santiago, Chile, Aug 21, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Bishop Manuel Camilo Vial of Temuco, Chile, has requested the Institute of Religious Science at the local Catholic university conduct a study on the satanic groups that exist in the region. 

Recently the bishop indicated that it has long been known that “these satanic groups and other violent groups exist,” but he said there was a need for in-depth research.  He said the bishops of Chile would be analyzing the issue at their meeting in November. 

The rector of the Institute, Father Juan Leonelli, said that he had not received the formal request from the bishop but that he was willing to help.  He said a team of experts would be needed in order to study the problem from different angles. 

Bishop Vial said the interest in a study of the issue was prompted by the recent wave of violent attacks, which have been perpetrated by members of satanic cults.  Father Leonelli noted that such attacks are generally the result of “weak or disturbed individuals who are easily attracted to satanic and other cults.” 

However, he warned against publicizing such occurrences in the media as other young people might “use the same argument to justify their actions.”