The Small, Secretive Cult that did the Unthinkable in the Name of God

Summary

Key Points

• The video details the horrific death of 8-year-old Elizabeth Strerews, whose parents and 12 other cult members watched her die from untreated Type 1 diabetes under the influence of cult leader Brendan Stevens. 0:00
• Brendan Stevens, pastor of "The Saints" cult in Australia, manipulated his followers with extreme Pentecostal beliefs, including the rejection of modern medicine as "witchcraft" and the sole reliance on God's healing powers. 7:28
• Elizabeth was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2019 after her father, Jason, rushed her to the hospital against her mother Carrie's cult-influenced refusal of medical care, leading to Carrie's initial conviction for neglect. 21:06
• While Carrie served a short prison sentence, Jason initially ensured Elizabeth received proper medical care, but he was eventually love-bombed and indoctrinated into "The Saints" cult by his son and Brendan Stevens. 22:42
• Upon Carrie's early release from prison, the cult intensified its pressure on Jason to stop Elizabeth's life-saving insulin, convincing him that total faith in God would either heal her or resurrect her if she died. 23:55
• Jason gradually reduced and then stopped Elizabeth's insulin, leading to her agonizing death over five days from diabetic ketoacidosis, while the cult members prayed and sang around her. 25:06
• Despite Elizabeth's obvious suffering and her parents knowing the signs from her previous illness, no one intervened, as they were convinced an 8-year-old could decide to forgo medical treatment and that God would perform a miracle. 25:28
• After Elizabeth's death, cult members continued to pray and sing over her body for two days, expecting her resurrection, before Jason finally reported her death to the police. 26:43
• Police bodycam footage revealed the cult members' lack of remorse and continued belief in a miracle, with Brendan Stevens arrogantly defending their actions during interrogation. 32:53
• All 14 cult members, including Brendan Stevens, Carrie Strerews, and Jason Strerews, were found guilty of manslaughter, receiving sentences ranging from 6 to 14 years, with many serving only half their terms, highlighting systemic failures in protecting Elizabeth. 36:36