Couple Arrested for Child Abuse Part of Faith-healing Church

CALDWELL, Idaho (AP) — Authorities say an Idaho mother told deputies her religious beliefs prompted her to pray for her husband instead of tell police about his alleged sexual abuse of their daughters.

The Idaho Press-Tribune reports Sarah Kester and her husband, Lester Kester Jr., of Caldwell, are affiliated with the Followers of Christ Church, which faces criticism for refusing medical care for children and adults in favor of faith healing.

Sarah was arrested July 11 and charged with one felony count of injury to a child on the suspicion that she did not report the abuse. Lester was charged with four felony counts of lewd conduct with a minor under 16.

The Press-Tribune was unable to reach the Kesters' attorneys.

The newspaper reached out to three local Followers of Christ members, but only one responded, declining to speak on the record.