A shocking incident took place at the Christ the Good Shepherd church in Sydney, where a 15-year-old boy stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and priest Isaac Royel during a church service. The attack was witnessed by horrified worshipers both online and in person. The congregation managed to overpower the teen before calling the police. Both the bishop and the priest were hospitalized but were reported to be in stable condition. The church asked for prayers not only for the victims but also for the perpetrator.
The video of the incident, which circulated on social media, showed the teen dressed in black repeatedly stabbing the bishop at the altar, causing chaos among the congregation. Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Andrew Holland praised the quick response of the worshipers in subduing the teen before the authorities arrived. More than 100 police reinforcements were called to the scene to control the situation, as a crowd seeking revenge gathered outside the church, injuring police officers and preventing the teen from being taken into custody.
Authorities did not immediately provide a motive for the attack, but the recent incident in a Sydney shopping mall where a lone assailant stabbed six people to death heightened concerns within the community. Police urged people to remain calm and rational, given the recent incidents involving knives. Community leaders and religious figures expressed shock and offered condolences to the victims. Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone described the bishop as a community leader, emphasizing the emotional impact of the attack on the local community.
The incident at Christ the Good Shepherd occurred as the church was preparing for Palm Sunday later in the month. The bishop had previously been featured in national news for his controversial statements, such as those targeting the LGBTQ+ community. In a video from 2023, the bishop was seen making derogatory remarks about individuals identifying as transgender. The community is reeling from the attack, with concerns about the safety and security of religious leaders and worshipers in the aftermath of such violence. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack and working to ensure the safety of the community moving forward.
