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Parents accused in faith healing death vow to defend religious freedom

06:12 PM PDT on Thursday, April 17, 2008

By kgw.com Staff

An Oregon City husband and wife accused in the faith healing death of their daughter have set up a Web site and vowed to defend their right to freedom of religion.

Clackamas County Sheriff

Carl Worthington

Carl Worthington, 28, and Raylene Worthington, 25, appeared in court on Thursday.

During the appearance, they asked for their bail money back so they can "fully litigate the constitutionality issues” in this case, according to The Oregonian.

They were each granted a reduction in bail from $250,000 to $50,000, The Oregonian reported.

More: Parents' Web site

On the couple’s Web site, their attorneys write, “We ask that the public reserve judgment until our clients have had their day in court.”

They also posted portions of “Oregon Constitutional Protections for free exercise of religion.”

Earlier this month, the Worthingtons were charged with manslaughter and criminal mistreatment. A grand jury concluded that the faith healing couple's refusal to get medical treatment for their sick toddler caused the child's death.

Background: Couple pleads innocent in faith healing death of baby

Fifteen-month-old Ava Worthington died at her Oregon City home on March 2nd of pneumonia and a blood infection.