Baby from faith-healing church dies after birth

PORTLAND – Authorities are investigating the death of a baby girl born to two members of an Oregon church that embraces faith healing.

Sgt. Dan Kraus of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said a 24-year-old woman gave birth to two girls at her parents’ Oregon City home on Sunday. One of the babies had breathing problems and died a few hours later.

A medical examiner contacted after the death determined the surviving infant needed professional medical treatment, and the family was persuaded to take that step.

The parents are members of the Followers of Christ Church, a congregation that shuns traditional medicine in favor of prayer and anointing the sick with oils.

Several church members have been convicted of crimes for failing to seek medical care for their children, including the sister of the woman who gave birth to the twins.

Kraus said investigators are collecting evidence to determine if charges are warranted in the case.