A series of shocking incidents have unfolded in Sydney, Australia, as two separate attacks targeting religious figures have left several people injured and the community on edge. The latest incident occurred at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney's Wakeley suburb on April 15, 2024. During a church service that was being live-streamed, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and a priest were stabbed by a teenage suspect.
Bishop Emmanuel, who is of Assyrian descent and was born in Iraq but raised in Australia, is known for his traditional religious messages and commentary on global affairs. He has criticized progressive and liberalizing churches, drawing contrasts between Christian doctrine and other faiths in his sermons. The bishop's vocal stance against Covid lockdown policies earned him the label of a 'plandemic' denier.
The attacker, who is 16 years old, was reportedly motivated by religious extremism according to the police. Bishop Emmanuel and the priest were among several people injured during the assault. None of their injuries are life-threatening.
The incident comes just a week after another knife attack at a shopping center in Sydney left six people dead and one infant critically injured. The attacker, who was shot dead by police, had mental health issues and was not linked to terrorism.
The attacks have sparked outrage in the community, with some calling for retribution against the teenage suspect. However, leaders from different faiths have urged calm and unity in response to the incidents.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned both attacks and called for peace and unity within the community. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and New South Wales Police are working together to investigate both incidents further.
The first attack on Bishop Emmanuel took place during a sermon at the Assyrian Orthodox Church, which is part of the ancient Mesopotamian culture with Akkadian-influenced Aramaic language roots. The church has a significant following online among Christians and Assyrians.
The second attack occurred at the same church a week later, leaving Bishop Emmanuel and another priest injured. Witnesses reported that the attacker lunged at Bishop Emmanuel several times before being subdued by worshippers.
The incidents have raised concerns about religious extremism in Australia and the need for increased security measures to protect places of worship. The Australian government has advised citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Bishop Emmanuel's attack is being treated as a terrorist incident, giving investigators greater powers and resources to probe the precise motivations of the alleged attacker. The AFP and New South Wales Police are working with international security agencies, including Canada and the US, to assess global extremism in light of these incidents.
The attacks have also highlighted the importance of religious tolerance and unity within diverse communities. Leaders from different faiths have called for calm and unity in response to the incidents. The Australian government has urged citizens to report any suspicious activity related to religious extremism or terrorism.
