Persistent Infant Deaths Reported in Idaho Faith-Healing Church
Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Canyon County, Idaho, has a high number of children buried there. This may be because members of the Followers of Christ Church believe exclusively in faith healing and do not seek medical attention for their children when they are ill. According to a former member of the Church who had witnessed the pattern of infant mortality in the Church over the years before he left, the Followers of Christ Church believe that faith healing is superior to scientific medial treatment.
The former church member identified simply as Jacob says, “Too many kids are dying over needless things that can be cured.” According to Jacob the church coerces its members into acquiescence with its doctrinal position by fear tactics. He says, “They use fear as their main weapon. It starts young. You start hearing about Hell and the Lake of fire very early.”
Two children were reported to have died recently from untreated pneumonia. The first, Preston Bowers died in March 24 . According to Canyon County Coroner, Ms. DeGeus-Morris, his symptoms suggest pneumonia. The second child Rockwell Sevy also died at home on March 30th and the Coroner believes he also died of pneumonia.
In Idaho it is not illegal for parents to reject scientific medical care in preference for faith-healing when children fall sick.
Ms. DeGeus-Morris explains that autopsies are not regularly done on the children of Followers of Christ Church who die from childhood illnesses because of the law which allows them choice between prayers and medical attention for their sick children; but the coroner believes that the lives of many young children in Caldwell would be saved if parents seek medical intervention on behalf of their children.
The Followers of Christ Church have branches in Oregon, another state where the law allows parents to refuse medical attention in favor of faith-healing for their children. But recently the Oregon House voted 59-0 to make refusing medical help to young children on religious grounds an offense.
Most citizens of Idaho are outraged at the practice of the Followers of Christ Church but until Idaho law makes it an offense not to seek medical attention for sick children state officials are helpless and can do nothing to stem the high mortality of children of the members of the Followers of Christ Church.
via Persistent Infant Deaths Reported in Idaho Faith-Healing Church | God Discussion.
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