Sydney reeling after second stabbing attack in one week
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel stabbed during church service
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Sydney, Australia was left reeling Monday night after the city's second stabbing attack in just one week when Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, a prominent conservative leader of the Assyrian Orthodox Christ, was stabbed along with several worshippers in the middle of a service at his church in the Sydney suburb of Wakeley.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel is the leader of the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley. He is a well-known and respected figure in the Assyrian community and has been outspoken in his criticism of the Australian government's immigration policies.
The attack occurred at around 7:30pm on Monday night. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was leading a service when a man entered the church and began stabbing people. The bishop was stabbed in the chest and several other people were also injured.
The attacker was arrested at the scene and has been charged with attempted murder. He is due to appear in court on Tuesday.
The motive for the attack is not yet known. However, Councillor Steve Christou, who visited the bishop in hospital, said that the bishop had prayed for his attacker.
"He said, 'I forgive him. I pray for him. I hope he finds peace'," Christou said.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the Assyrian community and has raised concerns about the safety of religious leaders in Australia.
The Assyrian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. It is based in the Middle East and has a large following in Australia.
The attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel is the second stabbing attack in Sydney in just one week. Last week, a man was stabbed to death in the city centre.
The New South Wales Police Force is investigating both attacks.
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