Oregon Public Broadcasting

Parents who rely on the power of faith -- rather than a doctor to cure their health problems, pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal mistreatment Thursday.

Clackamas County took custody of Timothy and Rebecca Wyland's seven-month-old daughter last month, after learning of serious medical problems with her eye.

Tissue around it had swollen -- to about the size of a tennis ball. Doctors said the pressure was pushing on the eyeball and could damage both it and the socket.

The condition is usually treated well before it progresses.

The couple pleaded not guilty to criminal mistreatment and are free on their own recognizance.

Deputy DA Christine Landers told the court the Wylands have close ties to the community and are not a flight risk. 

The judge set the mistreatment hearing for October 7th.

The state medical examiner's office estimates 20 children of families in the Followers of Christ Church have died of preventable illnesses over the last 30 years.

If convicted, the Wylands face a maximum of five years in prison.

Editor's Note: In the original version of this story we referred incorrectly to a change in state law in 1999.  The change was to eliminate the use of religious beliefs as a defense for not providing medical treatment. OPB regrets the error.