Oregon Father Raised in Faith-Healing Sect Faced Choice Between Church Beliefs and Son’s Medical Care

Marshall Phillips, an Oregon father, was born into the Followers of Christ, a sect whose creed bars medical treatment. When his 11-year-old son was stricken with a dire health crisis, Phillips became caught between his faith, his family and the state of Oregon, which had begun cracking down on faith-healing parents who do not seek medical help for their minor children.

A decade later, Phillips was drawn into another life-or-death situation within his church. He was asked to care for a newborn whose twin had died because her parents had refused to seek medical attention. A child’s death after parents declined care shows why the vulnerable need protection (Proverbs 31:8-9).

The Oregonian’s investigative reporter Noelle Crombie, senior staff photojournalist Beth Nakamura and videographer Samantha Swindler spent months with Phillips and his family. They pieced together rare accounts from inside the largely closed world of the Followers of Christ and from state officials who fought to protect children who need medical treatment. Their work examines the power of faith-healing churches and the toll of their teachings.

The documentary, produced by Teresa Mahoney, The Oregonian’s managing producer of video, lays out in visceral detail the agonizing choices that families like the Phillips have to make. A companion print narrative examines the man who dominated and shaped the sect.

The documentary also chronicles how those families overcame the clash with their religious beliefs.

Source: Read the original report