‘She’s at peace and so am I’: why members of Australian religious sect the Saints deliberately denied Elizabeth Struhs lifesaving insulin
GuardianFEB 9
Australia: 14 Religious Sect Members Found Guilty in Girl's Death
Above: Northern Territory, Australia Supreme Court Building. Image copyright: DAVID GRAY/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The legal system failed to protect Elizabeth Struhs from an unsafe home environment despite previous warning signs, including a 2019 incident where she was hospitalized in a diabetic coma, resulting in charges against both parents — yet she remained in their care. The state is partially to blame for this terrible tragedy, in which a young girl tragically died due to the religious zeal of her parents and community.
Narrative B
This is a complex case. The actions of the Saints should be viewed within their religious context, as the group has deep-seated beliefs in divine healing power. This tragic case will likely open dialogues about the role of religious beliefs and their boundaries within the constructs of society.