In recent months, Elizabeth Struhs has persistently occupied my thoughts. It has been over three years since her tragic life ended in January 2022, and I have been closely following her story, culminating in the conviction and imprisonment of 14 cult members earlier this year. However, the narrative doesn’t end there.
From the moment I visited Elizabeth’s home in Toowoomba, I felt a profound responsibility to ensure her voice was not lost amidst the relentless cycle of news. Growing up in a Christian environment, I understood the capacity for faith to unite people, but my experiences covering this case unveiled the darker sides of belief that I had not encountered before.
Elizabeth, a lively eight-year-old with dreams of becoming a doctor to help others with diabetes, tragically had her opportunity for a bright future taken away. Instead, her name is now forever associated with a lethal cult known as The Saints. This radical group prioritised blind faith in divine healing over essential medical care, leaving Elizabeth, who required insulin, to suffer for days while adults prayed instead of seeking help.
Throughout this case, I was confronted with grim details of neglect, extreme religious ideology, and systemic failures that were both shocking and unacceptable. Elizabeth deserved so much better, which inspired me to create The Saints podcast. This medium allows me to delve into Elizabeth’s story with the nuance and sensitivity it requires, something often unattainable through a single television segment or article.
The podcast offers listeners insights into the clandestine events surrounding Elizabeth’s life and death. Through court transcripts, police recordings, and interviews with individuals connected to the case, we piece together a comprehensive account of what transpired. This is not merely a retelling of tragic events; it is a journey to uncover the poor decisions, warning signs, and institutional failures that let Elizabeth down.
Ultimately, this is not just a tale about a cult; it’s a call for accountability. Despite prior warnings and the knowledge of Elizabeth’s medical condition, along with her mother’s extreme religious beliefs, the system failed her profoundly. While 14 cult members now face justice, the podcast explores how Elizabeth was let down not only by those who professed to love her but also by the institutions meant to protect her.
Elizabeth should have been starting high school this year, full of hope and aspirations to become a doctor. Instead, I find myself recounting her story in the hope that such a tragedy never occurs again.