Church leader in Australia attacked during worship service

By Vatican News

Police in Sydney, Australia, have arrested a young man following an attack on a local Bishop and three others at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the Wakeley suburb of Sydney on 15 April.

Local authorities say the Eastern Bishop of the community of the Good Shepherd and three others injured in the latest stabbing attack have not sustained critical injuries. Police are investigating the attack as the suspect remains in custody.

The attack comes days after a separate stabbing attack killing six and injuring at least eight others at a shopping centre in an eastern suburb of Sydney. The attack at the Sydney church does not appear to be linked.

Prayerful support

Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney commented in "The Catholic Weekly" that “the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and Father Isaac Royel is shocking and has caused distress to many in the community” and that "every person in this country, be they bishop or priest, rabbi or imam, minister or congregant, should be able to worship in safety, without fear that they might be subject to acts of violence while gathering in prayer."

He encouraged the faithful to not be afraid or to respond to what happened with anger, but instead to remember that "the best response to violence and fear is prayer and peace."

In conclusion, Archbisop Fisher in solidarity with other religious leaders, offered his and the Archdiocese of Sydney's "prayerful support to Bishop Emmanuel, Father Royel and all others affected" praying "may the God of peace reign in our land."

Story updated on 16 April 2024