Seven church members have been charged with abusing four children, including a youngster who authorities say was tied to a bunk bed in a crucifixion pose and died of later abuse in December.
Murder charges in the case of the boy, 9-year-old Brian Edgar, were filed earlier this month against his parents, Neil and Christy Edgar, and baby sitter Chasity Boyd.
On Wednesday, Christy Edgar, Boyd and five other members of the Edgars' church were charged with abusing Brian, his two adopted siblings and another child.
The Edgars are leaders of God's Creation Outreach Ministry in Kansas City, Kan.
Members of the church disciplined children for disrespecting adults and not paying attention at church by hogtying them and leaving them in that position overnight, District Attorney Nick A. Tomasic said Thursday.
Extension cords, belts and black plastic ties were used to bind the children and tape was placed over their mouths, Tomasic said. He also said one child was left bound in a bathtub overnight.
Tomasic said his office was trying to get information about the church, including whether the alleged abuse was part of its teachings.
The Edgars' attorney, Bob Thomas, declined to comment because of a judge's gag order in the murder case.
It could not immediately be determined whether the other defendants had attorneys.