Faith-healing church says couple's prosecution prolongs grief

By KATU.com Staff Published: Jun 20, 2009 at 5:56 PM PST
Faith-healing church says couple's prosecution prolongs grief
Raylene and Carl Worthington

PORTLAND, Ore. - Members of a small Oregon City church whose congregants include a couple on trial in a faith-healing death released a statement Saturday saying the prosecution is only prolonging the parents' suffering.

Carl and Raylene Worthington face manslaughter charges in the death of their 15-month-old daughter, Ava, who died of pneumonia in March 2008 as they prayed for her recovery. A Clackamas County judge has determined the Oregon City couple had a duty to seek medical care for the girl despite their religious beliefs. A state medical examiner has said she could have been treated with antibiotics.

The couple are members of the Followers of Christ church, which advocates spiritual healing instead of medical care.

Lawyer Steven B. Ungar released the following statement to KATU Saturday on behalf of the church:

  • There were many members of the Followers of Christ church in court last week; like many congregations, the members of the church care for and support one another, especially in times of great need.
  • Concerning the question of parental prerogative in making decisions for children, where core religious beliefs are invoked:  Family autonomy is a deeply respected value and tradition in our country, as is religious freedom. Both are reflected in a myriad of laws at every level. And while the government traditionally has a say in some decisions involving parent and child, criminally charging the Worthingtons under these circumstances violates the Constitution and is an abuse of power.
  • The Worthingtons loved their child and are grieving her loss as any devoted parents would; the Church shares in their grief and its congregants rely on faith, scripture and the power of prayer to seek God's mercy and direction.
  • This prosecution compounds and prolongs the Worthington's grief. The loss of a child is the most tragic event any parent could suffer. The Worthingtons will never stop loving or missing their daughter, and the Followers of Christ congregants grieve with them.
  • The Followers of Christ have resided in Clackamas County for many generations, keeping to themselves, supporting their families and respecting the rule of law.

The couple's trial is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.