In a heartbreaking case that left a community in shock, 14 members of a small religious sect in Australia have been convicted of manslaughter in the death of an 8-year-old girl. Elizabeth Struhs died in January 2022 after the group refused to give her insulin, convinced that prayer alone would cure her diabetes.

Instead of seeking medical help as her condition worsened, the group gathered around Elizabeth, singing and praying for a miracle. Even after she stopped breathing, they continued to believe God would bring her back to life. Sadly, their faith didn’t save her.

Elizabeth’s parents were among those found guilty after a nine-week trial at Brisbane’s Supreme Court. The judge, Martin Burns, described her death as “inevitable” due to the group’s refusal to administer insulin or call for medical assistance. He noted that Elizabeth was a “vibrant, happy child” who was loved by her family and the church members. But their unwavering belief in divine healing tragically cost her life.

The court heard that Elizabeth had been diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes in 2019. In January 2022, her father declared that God had healed her and told her to stop using her glucometer, a device that measures blood sugar levels. Over the next few days, as Elizabeth grew weaker and began vomiting, the group monitored her condition but continued to pray instead of seeking help.

Even after her death, the sect remained in the home, singing and praying for her resurrection. It wasn’t until 36 hours later that emergency services were called. When police arrived, they found the group gathered outside, still singing and praying.

Elizabeth’s older sister, Jayde, expressed relief after the verdict, saying, “It’s been a long and hard three years. Not a moment has gone by that I haven’t thought about my little sister, Elizabeth.”

The 14 convicted members will be sentenced on February 11. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of putting blind faith above medical care, especially when a child’s life is at stake.