A horrific incident ripped through a Sydney suburb on Monday evening, shattering the sanctity of a church service and sending shockwaves through the community. At the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, a 15-year-old boy allegedly unleashed a sudden attack, stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and several churchgoers during a live-streamed sermon.
The attack, while thankfully not resulting in life-threatening injuries, sent a wave of panic through the congregation. Witnesses reported screams erupting as the assailant lunged at the bishop, who is a popular figure revered by many. The incident quickly escalated further with hundreds gathering outside the church, their grief and anger spilling over into clashes with police.
A Community in Turmoil
The stabbing at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church comes just days after a separate attack claimed six lives at a Sydney shopping mall. While authorities have stressed there’s no apparent link between the incidents, the timing adds a layer of unease to an already shaken city.
The targeted bishop, Mar Mari Emmanuel, is a charismatic but controversial figure. Ordained by the Assyrian Orthodox Church in 2011, his sermons often spark debate and garner millions of views on social media. While some residents, like Canny, spoke to Reuters about their deep love and respect for the bishop’s teachings, Mar Mari Emmanuel has had a tumultuous past with the church itself. Reports indicate he was suspended for violating church rules and later formed his breakaway congregation.
Adding another layer of complexity to the incident is Mar Mari Emmanuel’s outspoken stance against COVID-19 restrictions. He has been heavily critical of lockdowns, comparing them to slavery, and even questioned the efficacy of vaccines. The church, in a statement, confirmed both the bishop and a priest, Father Isaac, were injured and being treated at the hospital. They urged for prayers and requested everyone to leave the church premises peacefully.
A Call for Calm Amidst Confusion
Local officials, including Mayor Frank Carbone, appealed for calm among the distraught community members. He emphasized the bishop’s recovery at the hospital, urging for peace in the wake of the attack. The Wakeley neighborhood, as reported by AFP, is a haven for Sydney’s Assyrian Christian community, many of whom fled war and persecution in their home countries of Iraq and Syria.
The unsettling incident was captured live on camera, with a disturbing video circulating online. In the footage, a figure clad in dark clothing approaches the bishop before attacking him with an unidentified weapon. Screams erupt as others rush to intervene, highlighting the chaos and horror that unfolded within the church walls.
The motive behind the attack remains shrouded in mystery. Law enforcement officials are investigating the incident, and a 15-year-old suspect is in custody with injuries to his hand. Several other individuals, all men between 20 and 70 years old, were also treated for stab wounds but are expected to make a full recovery.
As Sydney grapples with the aftermath of this shocking attack, the investigation continues to unfold. One thing remains clear: a place of worship was violated, leaving a community shaken and yearning for answers and a return to peace.
