Global

Stabbed Assyrian Bishop Forgives Attacker, Urges Calm Amid Riots In Sydney

The Assyrian church bishop who was stabbed during a service at his church in Sydney’s west has spoken out, revealing that he is recovering quickly and has already forgiven his attacker.

This comes as police intensify their investigation into the riots that ensued following the bishop’s stabbing.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, the target of the stabbing at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney’s west, spoke out for the first time since the attack, conveying a message of forgiveness and resilience.

Posting an audio message on social media, he assured his followers of his quick recuperation and expressed forgiveness towards his assailant, and anyone associated with the act. “I forgive whoever has done this act … I will always pray for you and whoever sent you to do this, I forgive them as well,” he stated.

The attack on Bishop Emmanuel, deemed a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism, has shaken the community, coming just days after a deadly knife rampage at a shopping centre near Bondi beach.

A teenager has been arrested in connection with the assault on the bishop and remains under police guard in hospital.

The aftermath of the incident saw a surge of anger, with an enraged crowd clashing with emergency responders outside the church, demanding retribution against the suspected attacker.

New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb condemned the violence, revealing that a 19-year-old man, not affiliated with the church, has been charged in connection with his involvement in the riot.

“People just came along to participate in a riot. That is disgraceful and disgusting,” Webb expressed during a news briefing.

In the midst of the investigations, efforts are being made to restore calm and order. Bishop Emmanuel urged his congregation to maintain composure and abide by the law.

Meanwhile, the Bondi mall, where a separate knife attack took place just days earlier, reopened to allow people to pay their respects to the victims. Stores remained closed, with a white floral tribute laid out on the second floor.

The local council mayor, Paula Masselos, expressed the community’s grief and highlighted the need for time to process the tragedy. A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday, with flowers and bouquets already piling up at a makeshift memorial.

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour: Commercialisation Of GMO Seeds Can Take Away Nigeria’s Food Sovereignty, Cause Health Issues

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has condemned the commercialisation of GMO seeds, warning of threats to Nigeria’s food…

11 hours ago

Usyk Defeats Fury on Points in Riyadh to Retain Heavyweight Championship Title

Oleksandr Usyk has secured victory over Tyson Fury in Riyadh, successfully defending his heavyweight championship…

16 hours ago

Albania to Ban TikTok for a Year After Schoolboy’s Death Sparks Concerns

Albania plans a one-year TikTok ban from January after a schoolboy’s death sparks concerns over…

19 hours ago

Suspect Remanded in Custody Over Deadly Attack at German Christmas Market

A suspect accused of killing five people by driving into a crowded Christmas market in…

19 hours ago

US Fighter Jet ShotDown in Red Sea ‘Friendly Fire’ Incident Amid Heightened Tensions

A US Navy F/A-18 Hornet was mistakenly shot down over the Red Sea by the…

19 hours ago

NNPC, Dangote Refinery Slash Petrol Prices to N899 Per Litre Amid Rising Competition

NNPC has reduced petrol ex-depot price to N899 per litre, sparking competition with Dangote Refinery…

20 hours ago