Latest news with #TheSaints
ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
Child's death drives churches to call out coercive control and cult-like behaviour
How did one man convince 13 other people to let an eight-year-old girl die? This is the question haunting many people of faith in the southern Queensland town of Toowoomba. Elizabeth Struhs died after members of a cult called The Saints withdrew her medication for her type 1 diabetes. They prayed and sang around her until she perished. Then they prayed to God for her resurrection. Fourteen members of The Saints, including Elizabeth's parents, are now serving jail time for manslaughter. The leader of the group is Brendan Stevens, a self-styled pastor who exerted absolute control. He taught followers that doctors and medications were evil, and that only God could heal. According to Brendan, you couldn't be a Christian without the physical manifestation of speaking in tongues. Without that, he argued, you were not imbued with the Holy Spirit. Indeed, Brendan viewed himself as the messenger of God and his followers as chosen ones, superior to normal human beings. His extreme Pentecostal theology led his members on what's known as a "purity spiral". Kerrie Struhs, the mother of Elizabeth, was a devotee. This wasn't the first time she had rejected a doctor's advice to give her daughter insulin. Two years before, in 2019, Kerrie refused to follow a doctor's instructions. On July 15, 2019, she had the following text message exchange with Brendan: Kerrie: I know you are already praying but could some of you have some praying NOW for Elizabeth and me. Brendan: Yes indeed Kerry. God is faithful praise God ... in my vision I see Elizabeth turning to you and saying " I am getting better mummy …" Kerrie: AMEN It can't happen any other way. A day after those text messages were sent, Elizabeth was in deep trouble. She could no longer walk. Kerrie sent another text message to Brendan, telling him that her husband Jason was taking their daughter to the hospital. "GOD shall prevail not JASON," Brendan replied. Following that 2019 incident, Kerrie was convicted of neglecting her child and served nine months of her sentence. Three weeks after she was released from prison, Elizabeth was dead. Kerrie's police interviews after her child's death reveal a woman without empathy or grief. In the tapes, she believes Elizabeth could be raised from the dead. "We still believe [God] can do anything. He has promised healing," she told officers on January 11, 2022. Kerrie Struhs and her husband Jason received a 14-year sentence for manslaughter. Brendan Stevens was given 13 years and the others in the group, mainly people in their 20s and 30s, received between six and seven years. Two of those young people were Lachlan Schoenfisch and his wife Samantha. He was an engineer with a bright future, she was a dancer and hairdresser. Elizabeth's death rocked the Schoenfisch family. Today, Lachlan's father Cameron is part of a group of Christians in Toowoomba who are speaking out about the problem of cult-like behaviour in their church communities. Soon after joining The Saints, Lachlan and Samantha tried to recruit Cameron and his wife Jen. "Lachlan wanted to tell us about his experience and … the teaching of Brendan Stevens, who claimed to be without sin and to be the messenger of God," Cameron tells ABC TV's Compass. He recalls being dubious about Brendan's claims, including the idea that people could only be considered Christian if they spoke in tongues. "The proof of receiving the Holy Spirit would be that you would jibber jabber, allegedly speak in tongues, unknown tongues," Cameron says. It was at this point, he and his wife realised they had lost their son to a cult. "My heart was broke," he says. "I've seen all the tragedies that unfold as a result of some of these extreme [religious] teachings, and I'd warned [Lachlan] about those prior, but he couldn't listen. "I said, 'Son, I know what you've got, and I don't want it.'" Three years on from Elizabeth's death, many are concerned that extreme beliefs are still proliferating throughout this part of Queensland. Les Donges was once a member of a cult, but left after long conversations with Cameron Schoenfisch. Les has a close family member who was also involved in Pentecostalism and refused to take his medication for diabetes. That relative nearly died. "He went from about 80 kilos down to less than 50, literally pretty much skin and bone," Les says. "He understood the medical repercussions of not taking insulin. He knew full well that there were issues with eyesight, with blood clots, with limb loss" There were other concerning incidents taking place. Les recalls being told by a pastor about someone trying to raise a deceased person from the grave — during a funeral. "The funeral director was quite aghast, I guess, at somebody praying for this man to be raised as he was being buried," Les says. "Obviously, that wasn't going to happen, and it didn't happen." But there have been glimmers of hope. Out of this tragedy has come a network of Christian pastors who are determined to educate themselves — and their followers — about coercive control. They want to teach people the warning signs of cult behaviour, before it is too late. Denis Lennox was formerly the executive director of Queensland Rural and Remote Medical Support. He is a Christian pastor and a good friend of Cameron Schoenfisch, Lachlan's dad. Denis believes coercive control is endemic to our homes, churches and workplaces. "In many instances, churches have borrowed the system of power that's used in our world generally, including coercion, domination, lauding it over people, and it's replete within our church communities where it should not be," he says. At the same time, he says many churches are in denial about how widespread the problem is in religious communities. "The central process of abuse of power is deception, and deception works best when it's hidden," he says. "The best way to deal with this, in fact, is to expose it to the light, to expose it to the truth, to talk … [to build an] awareness of power and how it can be abused, particularly in our church and family situations, so that we can redress it. Denis and a network of pastors have put together a series of workshops called Time to Do Better, led by a domestic violence expert. They are working on including education about coercive control in every aspect of church life, including bible study groups and children's activities — wherever people come together. For Cameron Schoenfisch and the other families of The Saints members, it is a hard road ahead. The father has a message for his son, who may be soon out on parole: "I would just like to say to Lachlan, 'We love you as much as ever in spite of what you've done. But everything that we do has consequences. Wake up to yourself and come back to us.'" Watch The Cult of the Saints on Compass tonight at 6:30pm on ABC TV, or stream on ABC iview now. Suzanne Smith is a producer and presenter, and author of The Altar Boys.
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wrexham boss Phil 'loved a tackle' says Saints' great Matt!
Back in the mid-Eighties, Le Tissier and Parkinson were team-mates in Southampton's youth team. 'I was a first year pro and Phil had already been there a year,' said Southampton legend Le Tissier, who will be working for the club he made 443 appearances for when The Saints kick off at home to Wrexham. 'I remember he was quite loud, he loved a tackle and he was a real leader on the pitch. 'Phil wasn't (one) to make defence splitting passes but he worked his socks off and went on to have a very good career as a player.' While Le Tissier, who Parkinson describes as a 'football genius', scored 161 goals - most of them stunners - in his one-club stop on the south coast, his old teenage team-mate didn't feature once in the Saints first team. Parkinson moved back to near his Chorley birthplace to make 145 appearances for Bury before migrating south to Reading where he became a Royals' legend in more than 350 games for the Berkshire club. Parkinson then cut his teeth in football management at Colchester before taking on jobs at Hull City, Charlton Athletic, Bradford City, Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland. Making the massive decision to sink into non-league football with Wrexham, Parkinson has led the Reds to back-to-back-to-back promotions. 'To do that is a phenomenal achievement,' added Le Tissier, who says that he knows all about the Wrexham story and that even a couple of his friends have become Reds fans after the razzmatazz of movie stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds' takeover. 'I haven't watched the documentary but everyone knows about Wrexham now and you have to admire what Phil has done as manager there. 'You can have all the money in the world but you still have to do it on the pitch and Parkinson has got his sides to do that.' And Le Tissier believes Wrexham's momentum will stand them in good stead as they set off on a Championship adventure for the first time since 1982. 'For Wrexham to challenge for promotion, it's a big ask to do four in a row,' added Le Tissier. 'But they've got enough momentum behind them not to struggle at this level. 'If they can have a good, solid season, finish mid-table then that will set them up for future seasons. 'But it's a strange league and there'll be strange results. 'The important thing is getting some points on the board early on - that's always a good pointer. 'And after three promotions, confidence should be sky high. If they do start well it's all about managing the expectations of the fans.' Le Tissier talked passionately about The Saints, who have new boss Will Still in charge. 'There's plenty of potential and I think we'll do pretty well,' added Le Tissier, who hopes the club can hang on to rising star Tyler Dibling. The 19-year-old midfielder enjoyed a great start to the season but is being chased by a host of Premier League clubs. 'He had a great start to the season but his form fell off when the new manager, Juric, came in. He seemed to lose his confidence.' As for the teams who could challenge for honours, Le Tissier added: 'The teams coming down always do well although Leicester City have still got some issues and there may be a points deduction. 'Sheffield United are a team that are always up there while you might get teams like Norwich challenging. 'It should be an exciting season and it's a case of get to January and see where you are and then it becomes interesting in the transfer window.'
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Southampton midfielder Primus signs new deal
Southampton midfielder Atlanta Primus has signed a new one-year contract with the club ahead of the 2025/2026 season. The Saints announced the news via a post on their official club website earlier today. The 28-year-old midfielder joined Southampton in summer 2023 after opting to leave former club London City Lionesses at the end of her contract. The Saints acquired her services after she starred for the Jamaican national team at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023. Primus was very much the standout performer for The Reggae Girlz as they battled bravely at the tournament. Primus made 19 appearances in all competitions for Southampton in her first season at St Mary's Stadium. She then joined The Saints' Barclays WSL2 rivals Charlton Athletic on loan for the whole of last season. Some may have wondered whether Primus' time as a Saint was over, however, the player has agreed to sign a new one-year contract and begin the new era under recently-appointed head coach Simon Parker. After signing on again at St Mary's Stadium, Primus said 'I'm really happy to have re-signed, it's an exciting time ahead and I'm really looking forward to the new season.' Further Southampton squad news will be announced in due course.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Economic realities' lead to final installment of Oregon country music festival
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A longstanding Oregon country music festival has revealed its 34th lineup will be its last. The Oregon Jamboree is slated for Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3 in Sweet Home. But the event will call it quits following the upcoming installation, after years of hosting popular artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban. According to organizers, the festival began in 1992 in an effort to spur economic development for the surrounding rural community that had faced several layoffs and business closures. Although the event has generated millions of dollars over the last three decades, leaders say it has run its course. 'Even with widespread community support and volunteers, the changing and increasing economic realities of running a music festival unfortunately no longer serve our mission to support rural economic development in the Willamette Valley,' the Oregon Jamboree said in an announcement on Tuesday. 'To our incredible volunteers, sponsors, community partners, artists and staff, thank you for your dedication to this event and to our community for so many years.' Organizers added that their board of directors has determined the event will not become financially feasible, despite how the 2025 festival turns out. Some attendees have already purchased tickets for next year's festival, and are currently awaiting refunds. The future of other happenings and organizations affiliated with the jamboree hangs in the balance. Leaders said they have yet to determine next steps for the Sweet Home Economic Development Group, which runs events like Tune It Up Tuesdays. With this year's festival still scheduled for later this summer, attendees will watch musicians like Clay Walker, Jordan Davis and Shane Smith and The Saints take the stage. Other upcoming Oregon music festivals include Project Pabst along Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront Park, The Best Day Ever in Troutdale's Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn and Pickathon on Happy Valley's Pendarvis Farm.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fox Nation renews Martin Scorsese's record-breaking 'The Saints' docudrama for second season
Acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese is returning to Fox Nation for a second season of the docudrama series "Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints." The eight-episode season will spotlight new religious figures, with each episode dedicated to one saint's journey of faith and sacrifice. Season two will feature prominent names such as Saint Mary the Virgin, Saint Peter, Saint Patrick, and Carlo Acutis, often referred to as the "patron saint of the internet," who is the most recent figure, and first millennial, to be considered for sainthood. Scorsese, who has long expressed a deep interest in religious storytelling, said the series fulfills a personal dream. "For many years, I dreamed of telling stories of the lives of the saints. It's been an obsession of mine for as long as I can remember," Scorsese said in a Fox Nation press release. "So the chance to do this series meant the world to me, and it's heartening to know that people have responded to it. I'm very excited to be coming back for a second season." Martin Scorsese Unravels St. Mary Magdalene's Complex Legacy In Series Finale Of 'The Saints' Fox News Media's Chief Digital and Marketing Officer Jason Klarman said the demand for more episodes was clear. Read On The Fox News App "It was evident our subscribers wanted more, and we delivered," Klarman said. "We're thrilled to welcome back Mr. Scorsese for season two of 'The Saints.' It truly has been a remarkable partnership." Martin Scorsese's 'The Saints' Returns To Fox Nation For Lent Spotlighting Francis Of Assisi, Other Legends The first season of "The Saints" broke viewership records, becoming Fox Nation's "highest-engaged and most-watched series of all time." Each month it aired, the program held the top spot on the platform. Season one featured re-tellings of the lives of Joan of Arc, John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, and others. Series creator Matti Leshem said he was "thrilled" by the public's response to the show and expressed his gratitude to Fox Nation for being able to tell the stories of these figures. "'The Saints' celebrates the very best of humanity—courage, sacrifice, and above all, faith," he said. Martin Scorsese Illuminates History's Boldest Saints In Fox Nation Series He 'Didn't Believe Could Be Done' Click Here To Join Fox Nation Scorsese has been a giant of the film industry for years, with a career spanning over five decades. His 2006 film "The Departed" won him the Academy Award for Best Directing, and the film itself also won Best Picture, Best Editing, and Best Writing at the 2007 Oscars. Scorsese has directed other landmark films as well, including "Goodfellas," "The Wolf of Wall Street," "Raging Bull," and "The Irishman." The second season of "Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints" will be split into two halves with the first set of four episodes premiering weekly in November 2025. The remaining four episodes will debut in the spring and conclude in May 2026 on Fox Nation. Read More From Fox NewsOriginal article source: Fox Nation renews Martin Scorsese's record-breaking 'The Saints' docudrama for second season
