A court has sentenced Jason and Elizabeth Struhs, members of a sect called The Saints, to 14 years in prison for manslaughter after they denied their eight-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, lifesaving insulin. This resulted in her painful death from diabetic ketoacidosis in January 2022. The sect, led by Brendan Stevens - who received a 13-year sentence - believed in divine healing and rejected modern medicine. Instead of seeking treatment, members prayed and sang as the child suffered. The authorities were only notified 36 hours after her death. Eleven others received six-to-nine-year sentences for their role in the tragedy. Although they claimed religious persecution, the court ruled their faith-based negligence was criminal. Elizabeth’s sister, Jayde, had left the sect years before, condemning its extreme beliefs. The case highlights the dangers of religious extremism and the necessity of medical care in preserving life.
Australia: couple sentenced for refusing medication to daughter
Written by David Fletcher 27 Feb 2025
Additional Info
- Pray: for children vulnerable to harmful beliefs, that they receive care and protection. Pray against the influence of misled and misleading sects. (Proverbs 24:11)
- More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp9yxvjx19go