Parents Choose Prayer Over Treatment, 8yr Old Daughter Dies
Jason and Elizabeth Struhs, parents of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs, were among 14 members of a small religious sect convicted of manslaughter after failing to seek medical treatment for their diabetic daughter.
Elizabeth Struhs suffered from Type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires regular insulin injections to manage blood sugar levels. Instead of seeking proper medical care, her parents and fellow members of their religious group, known as “The Saints,” relied solely on prayer, believing that divine intervention would heal her. Tragically, this decision led to her slow and painful death.
During the trial, prosecutors detailed how Elizabeth experienced severe symptoms, including vomiting, extreme fatigue, and eventual loss of consciousness. Instead of calling for medical assistance, sect members gathered around her, singing and praying as her condition worsened. It was not until 36 hours after her death that authorities were notified.
The case resulted in significant jail sentences for those involved. Brendan Stevens, the leader of The Saints, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after the judge at the Supreme Court of Queensland described him as a “dangerous, highly manipulative individual.” Eleven other sect members received prison terms ranging from six to nine years.
Elizabeth’s father, Jason Struhs, and Stevens were originally charged with murder but were later convicted of manslaughter. All defendants had pleaded not guilty, maintaining that their actions were an expression of faith rather than neglect.
In his nearly 500-page ruling, Justice Martin Burns acknowledged that Elizabeth’s parents and fellow church members deeply loved her but stated that their strict religious beliefs ultimately caused her death. “Due to a singular belief in the healing power of God… she was deprived of the one thing that would most definitely have kept her alive,” he said.
The Saints, a small religious group not affiliated with any major church in Australia, consists of roughly two dozen members from three families. Former members, including Elizabeth’s sister Jayde Struhs, have described the congregation as highly controlling. Jayde left the sect at 16 after coming out as gay and has since cut ties with her family.
According to witness testimony, the Saints reject mainstream healthcare and view modern medicine with suspicion. They also consider holidays like Christmas and Easter to be “pagan” or ungodly, further isolating themselves from broader society.
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This case has sparked national conversations about religious freedom versus parental responsibility. While individuals have the right to their beliefs, legal and ethical lines are drawn when those beliefs endanger lives—especially the lives of vulnerable children.
Elizabeth Struhs’ death serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of denying essential medical care in favour of faith-based healing. As her sister Jayde and others continue to advocate for stricter laws protecting children from medical neglect, the case remains a powerful lesson in the balance between faith and responsibility.
Content Credit|Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
Picture Credit | https://www.theaustralian.com.au/
