From Seminary to the Supernatural: Bishop James Long on Faith and the Paranormal
Online Paranormal Shows
Sunday 11th, May 2025
4 minute read.
Bishop James Long, the Presiding Archbishop of the United States Old Catholic Church, has shared insights into his spiritual journey and ministerial work in an in-depth interview on Shadow Whispers in the Night, a paranormal-themed programme hosted by Jenny of Emerald Isle Paranormal Researchers. He was joined during the broadcast by Christopher Moule and later by Daniel Dunican, a representative of Otherworldly Encounters Ireland.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Long was brought up within the Roman Catholic tradition. He expressed a desire to serve the Church from a young age, stating, "From a young age, I felt a deep calling to serve the church and knew that I wanted to become a priest. Even as a child of just five years old, the path before me was clear".
Long’s early years were marked by an unusual intellectual curiosity. At just nine years old, he began studying demonology,
After finishing high school, Long delayed his entry into religious life, choosing instead to work for several years. He later pursued a seminary education, enrolling in a Roman Catholic seminary while attending Loyola University in Chicago. There, he completed his undergraduate degree and continued his theological studies at the graduate level.
During this period, Long received his Minor Orders within the Roman Catholic Church. However, he experienced a spiritual shift, "It was also during this transformative period that I felt a clear message from God, a beckoning to serve within the Old Catholic Church. Through spiritual discernment and profound prayer, I humbly accepted this divine call".
Long transitioned to the Old Catholic tradition, a movement that split from the Roman Catholic Church in the 18th century over issues such as papal infallibility. The Old Catholic Church retains apostolic succession and Catholic sacraments but is not in communion with the Vatican.
Within the United States Old Catholic Church, Long has been ordained as a Deacon, Priest, and later consecrated as a Bishop. He currently serves as the Church’s Presiding Archbishop. "With great joy and conviction, I stand before you today, armed with a 110-page document attesting to my Apostolic Succession," he stated during the interview.
Long’s responsibilities extend beyond parish ministry. He teaches Bible study to the public and trains future clergy, "I am deeply committed to teaching Bible Study to the public, sharing the wisdom and enlightenment that the Scriptures bring. Additionally, I take great pride in training and nurturing future clergy for the Old Catholic Church".
He also identifies as a member and founder of the Old Catholic Benedictines of Immaculate Mary and is affiliated with the Order of Corporate Reunion, a society focused on healing schisms within Christianity.
“I invite you to join me on this extraordinary journey of faith, knowledge, and service,” he said. “Let us walk this sacred path together, united in our commitment to serving God and discovering the profound truths that lie within the realm of the Old Catholic Church.”
James Long is also known publicly for his appearances on American television, where he has provided commentary and participated in investigations involving paranormal claims. His work in demonology is both pastoral and academic, often addressing spiritual concerns outside mainstream church settings.
“May we find solace, strength, and inspiration in these sacred teachings, transforming our lives and making a lasting impact on the world around us”, Long concluded.
The full interview, which also featured contributions from Christopher Moule and Daniel Dunican of Otherworldly Encounters Ireland, is available via Shadow Whispers in the Night, a programme known for its exploration of paranormal and spiritual phenomena.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Long was brought up within the Roman Catholic tradition. He expressed a desire to serve the Church from a young age, stating, "From a young age, I felt a deep calling to serve the church and knew that I wanted to become a priest. Even as a child of just five years old, the path before me was clear".
Long’s early years were marked by an unusual intellectual curiosity. At just nine years old, he began studying demonology,
"My thirst for knowledge and understanding led me to delve into the realms of demonology. At the age of nine, I began earnestly studying books on this topic, embarking on a lifelong journey to explore the depths of theology and demonology".
After finishing high school, Long delayed his entry into religious life, choosing instead to work for several years. He later pursued a seminary education, enrolling in a Roman Catholic seminary while attending Loyola University in Chicago. There, he completed his undergraduate degree and continued his theological studies at the graduate level.
During this period, Long received his Minor Orders within the Roman Catholic Church. However, he experienced a spiritual shift, "It was also during this transformative period that I felt a clear message from God, a beckoning to serve within the Old Catholic Church. Through spiritual discernment and profound prayer, I humbly accepted this divine call".
Long transitioned to the Old Catholic tradition, a movement that split from the Roman Catholic Church in the 18th century over issues such as papal infallibility. The Old Catholic Church retains apostolic succession and Catholic sacraments but is not in communion with the Vatican.
Within the United States Old Catholic Church, Long has been ordained as a Deacon, Priest, and later consecrated as a Bishop. He currently serves as the Church’s Presiding Archbishop. "With great joy and conviction, I stand before you today, armed with a 110-page document attesting to my Apostolic Succession," he stated during the interview.
Long’s responsibilities extend beyond parish ministry. He teaches Bible study to the public and trains future clergy, "I am deeply committed to teaching Bible Study to the public, sharing the wisdom and enlightenment that the Scriptures bring. Additionally, I take great pride in training and nurturing future clergy for the Old Catholic Church".
He also identifies as a member and founder of the Old Catholic Benedictines of Immaculate Mary and is affiliated with the Order of Corporate Reunion, a society focused on healing schisms within Christianity.
“I invite you to join me on this extraordinary journey of faith, knowledge, and service,” he said. “Let us walk this sacred path together, united in our commitment to serving God and discovering the profound truths that lie within the realm of the Old Catholic Church.”
James Long is also known publicly for his appearances on American television, where he has provided commentary and participated in investigations involving paranormal claims. His work in demonology is both pastoral and academic, often addressing spiritual concerns outside mainstream church settings.
“May we find solace, strength, and inspiration in these sacred teachings, transforming our lives and making a lasting impact on the world around us”, Long concluded.
The full interview, which also featured contributions from Christopher Moule and Daniel Dunican of Otherworldly Encounters Ireland, is available via Shadow Whispers in the Night, a programme known for its exploration of paranormal and spiritual phenomena.
