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J. W. Carney Jr., the Corneaus' attorney, says the state is punishing his clients for their religious beliefs, not their actions.

"This case raises important issues of religious freedom," Carney says, "based on the fact that the Corneaus are not being punished for what they did in the past but rather for what they might do in the future."

Harry Spence, commissioner of the Department of Social Services, says the Corneaus' behavior is the issue. He believes that they could have intervened to save Samuel Robidoux.

"You can believe whatever you want for yourself, but you don't own other human souls," Spence says. "You don't own them to dispose of them as you wish."

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Apologetics Index has an overview, background, and descriptions of Attleboro's sect.

Related news articles include:

Court upholds ruling sect parent is unfit — Boston Herald (April 12, 2002)

Parents in sect lose access to children — The Boston Globe (April 12, 2002)

Attleboro sect couple sent back to jail — Boston Herald (April 10, 2002)

Cult leader wanted TV deal — Boston Herald (March 20, 2002)

Attleboro cult members attend funeral in shackles — Boston Herald (March 13, 2002)

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May 21 2002, Vol. 46, No. 6