Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel Stabbed During Live Broadcast Sermon
Wakeley, Australia
September 1, 2023
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed along with several worshippers in the middle of a service in Wakeley on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in what police are calling a "random attack."
The incident occurred at the Power of Faith Church in Wakeley, Sydney, Australia, while Emmanuel was delivering a live sermon that was being broadcast on social media. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the attack.
According to witnesses, the boy entered the church during the service and approached Emmanuel, who was standing at the pulpit. The boy then allegedly stabbed Emmanuel several times in the chest and abdomen.
Worshippers in the church tackled the boy and held him down until police arrived. Emmanuel was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but his condition has since stabilized.
The police are investigating the motive for the attack, but they do not believe it was terrorism-related.
"This was a random and senseless act of violence," said Detective Superintendent Michael Willing of the New South Wales Police Force. "We are still trying to determine the motive for the attack, but we do not believe it was terrorism-related."
Emmanuel is a well-known religious figure in Australia and has a large following on social media. He is the founder of the Power of Faith Church, which has several branches in Australia and overseas.
The attack on Emmanuel has shocked the Australian community and has raised concerns about the safety of religious leaders.
"This is a tragic incident that has shaken our community," said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. "We stand with Bishop Emmanuel and his family at this difficult time."
The attack has also brought into focus the issue of knife crime in Australia. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of knife-related incidents in the country.
"We need to do more to address the issue of knife crime in Australia," said Minister for Home Affairs Clare O'Neil. "We are working with the states and territories to develop a national strategy to reduce knife crime."
The attack on Emmanuel is a reminder of the dangers that religious leaders face around the world. In recent years, there have been a number of attacks on religious leaders in different parts of the world.
"Religious leaders are often targets of violence because they are seen as symbols of their faith," said Dr. Chris Dolan, an expert on religious violence at the University of New South Wales. "This can make them vulnerable to attack by extremists who seek to intimidate or silence them."
The attack on Emmanuel has sent a shockwave through the Australian community and has raised concerns about the safety of religious leaders. It is important that we all work together to create a more tolerant and inclusive society where everyone can feel safe to practice their faith.
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