Diocesan Resources
Reiki Poses Theological Problems by Cardinal Wuerl (2011)
Reiki Poses Theological Problems: A Worldwide Incompatible by Christianity by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Chairman, USCCB Committee on Doctrine in Ethics & Medics: A Commentary of the National Catholic Bioethics Center on Health Care and the Life Sciences, May 2011, Volume 36, Number 5
In March 2009, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Doctrine published a brief statement titled “Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy.” The Reiki healing technique, developed in Japan in the late 1800s, involves the practitioner’s “placing his or her hands in certain positions on the patient’s body in order to facilitate the flow of Reiki, or ‘universal life energy,’ from the Reiki practitioner to the patient.”
The committee conducted its study in order to respond to inquiries concerning whether this particular healing technique was compatible with the Catholic faith. The committee concluded that “Reiki therapy finds no support either in the findings of natural science or in Christian belief,” and it warned that “a Catholic who puts his or her trust in Reiki would be operating in the realm of superstition.” The committee also stated that “it would be inappropriate for Catholic institutions, such as health care facilities or retreat centers, or for persons representing the Church, such as chaplains, to promote Reiki therapy.”
The guidelines did not attract a great deal of media attention. Many Catholics have never heard of Reiki, and, for some who had, it was simply self-evident that a Catholic should not resort to Reiki, but the committee also heard from some Catholics who regard Reiki as another means of healing. They asked why the bishops would prohibit a type of healing. With this group of Catholics in mind, I offer on behalf of the Committee on Doctrine these reflections on its 2009 guidelines.