Faith-Healing Parents Let Infant Die Now Face Charges

Clackamas County, Oregon – A couple accused of letting their infant daughter die by relying on prayer, rather than medicine, today asked that the charges be dropped, arguing that they infringe on their freedom of religion and their right to raise their children in their own way.

“Mr. and Mrs. Worthington maintain that their prosecution contravenes their right ‘to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences,’ as guaranteed by the Constitution of the State of Oregon and the Constitution of the United States,” the motion said.

“Further, Mr. and Mrs. Worthington urge that this prosecution contravenes their fundamental right to raise their children without interference by the State.” A hearing on the motion is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2009.

The Worthingtons are members of the Followers of Christ Church in Oregon City, that has a history of shunning medical care in favor of faith healing. Another Oregon City couple who belong to the same church face similar charges, after their son — who was Ava Worthington’s uncle — died in June.

Jeffrey Dean Beagley, 50, and Marci Rae Beagley, 46, pleaded not guilty Oct. 3 to criminally negligent homicide charges in the death of their son, 16-year-old Neil Jeffrey Beagley. Neil died June 17 from complications of a urinary tract blockage, according to medical examiners. The condition, which doctors say is easily treatable, caused kidney and heart failure.

A decade ago, the church received national attention after ABC News affiliate KATU-TV in Portland, Oregon, reported that the state medical examiner believed approximately 20 children, whose parents belonged to the church, had died from untreated illnesses that were curable.

After that story broke, the Oregon state legislature changed the law to bar defendants, in most cases, from claiming their religious beliefs prevented them from seeking medical help. According to the Worthingtons’ motion filed today, their case is the first application of that revised statute. Though the revised law removed the so-called “spiritual healing defense,” there is still a provision that allows judges to give parents a lighter sentence, based on their beliefs.

Submitted by: Ahava, December 11th, 2008 Topic: Community Forums
Tags: healing, Jesus Christ, messianic jews, Messianic Jews, messianic judaism, Messianic Judaism, prayer, The Messianic Center , The Messianic center, The Messianic Center

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4 Comments

eliahu commented on December 18, 2008:

If an additional point needs be made, I ask, should we tempt the Lord? What then do we say of the person who deliberately walks down a road (prayer), knowing that it is flanked by a teetering Wall and the eventuality of its weakened state. Is it not that one's responsibility and personal accountability to crossover to the roadside where he will be out of harms way or should he remain steadfast in his path, praying for G-d's protection and deliverance from the certain harm which may befall him?

eliahu commented on December 16, 2008:

22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Rom 14:22-23 Can it be that instead of demonstrating an extraordinary faith in the Will and providence of G-d, the scrupulous nature of their doctrine undermines their faith? Eliahu bnZohar

Malcolm J Osborne commented on December 14, 2008:

I agree with Emma, but we SHOULD ask our Father - Before we ask the doctors. James 2:13-16 is important and covers an area of spiritual ministry that "crusades" may not, i.e.the opportunity to do some repenting etc. That said And Hopefully Done, who goes without spectacles if Father doesn't heal our eyes etc? Yes, we do read that God will heal our diseases, but we read also that He intends to "heal" the Waywardness of His people - {Perhaps First?} Regards Malc

MissEmma88 commented on December 12, 2008:

G-d does wonderful, miraculous healing through prayer and faith all the time! But often, people need to realize that God can and does heal through talented and gifted men and women called doctors. He gave them those gifts and intelligence to help sick people. That's what they're called by G-d to do with their talents and it shouldn't be something to look down upon but praise G-d giving doctors those gifts!

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