Brendan Stevens, a pastor of a small sect called the Saints, was convicted along with several members for the manslaughter of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs, who died after being denied insulin. For 17 years, Stevens preached a strict interpretation of Christianity that discouraged medical intervention, claiming divine healing was sufficient. His followers, including Elizabeth's parents, adhered to his beliefs, continuing to pray for a miraculous recovery even as the child endured a painful death. This case highlights the dangers of extreme religious beliefs that prioritize faith over medical care.
Every moment should be devoted to the worship of God; even sport or time dedicated to schoolwork is wrong, he declared. Stevens is a charismatic and extraordinarily magnetic person.
In January 2022, Stevens and the Saints convinced Jason Struhs to take action that would lead to the death of Elizabeth. It took her four days to die.
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