Bible camp responds to ‘regrettable situation,’ allegations of exorcism

A bible camp near Blaine Lake at the centre of allegations of exorcism has spoken out on the incident.The alleged case happened in mid-July at Redberry Bible Camp, south of Blaine Lake. Multiple media outlets have reported that a camp worker attempted to perform an exorcism on a camper while he was in medical distress.The RCMP has since released a statement saying it received reports of an incident on July 14. Following an investigation, police concluded that no criminality was involved, and no charges would be laid.

Last month, the Saskatchewan RCMP North District Management Team asked the Saskatoon General Investigative Section (GIS) to investigate further.

After completing its investigation, which included interviewing multiple witnesses, Saskatoon GIS came to the same conclusion as the Blaine Lake RCMP officers: No contraventions to the Criminal Code occurred and no criminal charges can be laid.

“Criminal investigations ultimately boil down to two things: Gathering evidence and determining whether that evidence indicates an individual committed a crime as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada. Practices like the one reported may be concerning to some people, but they are not illegal in Canada,” said Supt. Josh Graham, Officer in Charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit.

“We conducted a thorough investigation and did not gather any evidence that would allow any Criminal Code charges to be laid in relation to what the children experienced. Even though this investigation did not result in charges, it is important for the public to come forward when they feel illegal activity has occurred. I extend a sincere thank you to those who reported this incident,” added Supt. Josh Graham.

Meanwhile, the board of Redberry Bible Camp has issued a statement regarding what it deemed a “regrettable situation.”

“Although an isolated incident, it is one that caused pain and upset for the affected campers and their families,” said board chair Wayne Dick. “For this, we are deeply sorry and recognize that our leadership has to review our policies and procedures including leader training. That review is now underway, and we know that a stronger, more responsive camp will be the result.”

The camp worker in question has since been identified as Carlos Doerksen, who has criticized the original news reports on the incident and his personal addictions. On his Facebook page, he said his past was never a secret.

“I have been an open book and honest by posting my Life Story to my own Facebook Page!!” he wrote. “I am not ashamed of Jesus Christ; I am not ashamed of the Gospel, and I do not regret praying for a boy who was in need of prayer and whom I saw with my own eyes be set free by the POWER of Jesus!!

“The people who love me know the truth and the people I love to know the truth! I love all of you who have shown me loyalty! May God bless you richly.”