Religious Sect Members Sang and Prayed as 8-Year-Old Died—All 14 Found Guilty of Manslaughter.

In a landmark case in Australia, 14 members of a religious group known as "The Saints" have been found guilty of manslaughter following the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs. Elizabeth, who had type 1 diabetes, died in January 2022 in Toowoomba, Queensland, after being denied essential insulin treatment for six days. Instead of seeking medical assistance, the group relied solely on prayer, believing that divine intervention would heal her.

The convicted individuals include Elizabeth's parents, Jason and Kerrie Struhs, her older brother Zachary, and the group's leader, Brendan Stevens. Initially, Jason Struhs and Brendan Stevens faced murder charges; however, the court did not find sufficient evidence of reckless indifference to support these charges, resulting in convictions for manslaughter instead. The remaining 11 members were also found guilty of manslaughter.

The court proceedings revealed that the group shunned modern medicine, viewing it as contrary to their religious beliefs. Elizabeth's health deteriorated visibly during the six days without insulin, yet no attempt was made to seek medical care. The group believed that their prayers would suffice to heal her, a decision that ultimately led to her death.

This case has drawn significant attention to the balance between religious freedom and child welfare. While individuals are entitled to their beliefs, the law does not permit actions or omissions that endanger the lives of others, especially vulnerable children. The convictions underscore the principle that parents and guardians have a legal duty to provide necessary medical care to their children, regardless of religious convictions.

In the aftermath of the verdict, Elizabeth's older sister, Jayde Struhs, expressed relief at the convictions but also criticized systemic failures that allowed her sister's death to occur. She emphasized the need for improvements in child protection services to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The sentencing for the convicted individuals is scheduled for February 11. They face potential life imprisonment, reflecting the severity of their actions and the tragic loss of a young life due to misplaced faith and neglect.