Tense scenes erupt as bishop and churchgoers allegedly stabbed during church service
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Content Warning: This article mentions graphic descriptions of violent crime, including stabbing. Reader discretion is advised.
The tranquillity of a church service was shattered in a horrific turn of events at Wakeley’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Western Sydney, leaving the community in shock.
On Monday evening, 15 April, at approximately 7:10 pm, the solemnity of a live-streamed service was violently disrupted when a bishop and three congregants were allegedly stabbed in an attack that has since sent ripples of distress across the nation.
The service, which was broadcast on social media, captured the incident in which Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was approached by a young male dressed in black.
The assailant allegedly lunged at the bishop, stabbing him multiple times in the head and upper body, as screams echoed through the church and parishioners rushed to intervene.
The live feed abruptly ended.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland reported that the congregation ‘apprehended the young male and held him down until the police arrived’.
The suspect, a teenager with a known history to police but not a regular attendee of the church, was arrested and is currently assisting with inquiries.
His identity has been withheld, and he is being held at an ‘undisclosed location’.
‘Police have initially spoken to the young person, (but) his injuries are quite severe, he’s fairly upset and distraught. He’s asked to speak to his parents, and we’re making arrangements for (him),’ Holland said.
Emergency services responded to the scene, where New South Wales Ambulance paramedics treated four individuals.
A man in his 50s was taken to Liverpool Hospital in serious condition with multiple lacerations.
Another man in his 30s also received hospital treatment for lacerations, while two others were treated for less severe injuries at the scene.
The aftermath of the attack saw an angry mob of hundreds gather at the church, leading to further chaos as riot police were deployed to disperse the crowd.
During the confrontation, two police officers sustained injuries—one with a twisted knee and chipped tooth, the other with a broken jaw—after being struck by a brick and a fence paling.
‘We are a little bit disappointed in the community themselves. They’ve thrown weapons and items at the church itself...obviously, people who wanted to get access to the young person,’ Holland added.
The police will maintain surveillance over places of religious gathering as they continue to restore peace and order.
Liverpool Hospital's Emergency Department temporarily closed its doors to non-emergency cases as a ‘precautionary measure’, given the large crowds that had formed outside.
‘The ED remained open at all times to those requiring care, including those arriving via personal car or via ambulance,’ a hospital spokesperson said.
The church has since issued a statement confirming that Bishop Emmanuel and a senior priest are in stable condition and appealing for peace and prayers in the wake of the violence.
This incident has prompted community leaders and officials to speak out. NSW Premier Chris Minns described the scene as disturbing and called for calm.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe,’ the premier said.
‘It’s important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of Police and Emergency Services.’
‘We are a strong community in NSW, and it’s important that we all stick together, particularly in the face of adversity.’
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community shared its profound sadness and shock, unequivocally condemning the attack and extending sympathy to the victims.
‘We extend our deepest sympathy to all those injured in the attack and wish them a speedy and complete recovery,’ the community’s National President and Grand Imam expressed.
Cumberland City Councillor and former Mayor Steve Christou also condemned the ‘unprovoked and mindless attack’, urging the community to focus on love and prayer rather than anger.
The attack comes after another stabbing rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction, which claimed six lives and injured several others, including a baby girl.
There is no indication that the two events are connected.
You can watch Sunrise’s coverage below:
Credit: 7NEWS Australia / YouTube
We at the Seniors Discount Club extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims and their families and commend the bravery of those who intervened.
The tranquillity of a church service was shattered in a horrific turn of events at Wakeley’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Western Sydney, leaving the community in shock.
On Monday evening, 15 April, at approximately 7:10 pm, the solemnity of a live-streamed service was violently disrupted when a bishop and three congregants were allegedly stabbed in an attack that has since sent ripples of distress across the nation.
The service, which was broadcast on social media, captured the incident in which Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was approached by a young male dressed in black.
The assailant allegedly lunged at the bishop, stabbing him multiple times in the head and upper body, as screams echoed through the church and parishioners rushed to intervene.
The live feed abruptly ended.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was allegedly stabbed during church service at Wakeley’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church. Credit: Christ The Good Shepherd Church / Facebook
Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland reported that the congregation ‘apprehended the young male and held him down until the police arrived’.
The suspect, a teenager with a known history to police but not a regular attendee of the church, was arrested and is currently assisting with inquiries.
His identity has been withheld, and he is being held at an ‘undisclosed location’.
‘Police have initially spoken to the young person, (but) his injuries are quite severe, he’s fairly upset and distraught. He’s asked to speak to his parents, and we’re making arrangements for (him),’ Holland said.
Emergency services responded to the scene, where New South Wales Ambulance paramedics treated four individuals.
A man in his 50s was taken to Liverpool Hospital in serious condition with multiple lacerations.
Another man in his 30s also received hospital treatment for lacerations, while two others were treated for less severe injuries at the scene.
The aftermath of the attack saw an angry mob of hundreds gather at the church, leading to further chaos as riot police were deployed to disperse the crowd.
During the confrontation, two police officers sustained injuries—one with a twisted knee and chipped tooth, the other with a broken jaw—after being struck by a brick and a fence paling.
‘We are a little bit disappointed in the community themselves. They’ve thrown weapons and items at the church itself...obviously, people who wanted to get access to the young person,’ Holland added.
The police will maintain surveillance over places of religious gathering as they continue to restore peace and order.
The alleged stabbing of the bishop was seen on livestream, which abruptly ended. Credit: 7NEWS Australia / YouTube
Liverpool Hospital's Emergency Department temporarily closed its doors to non-emergency cases as a ‘precautionary measure’, given the large crowds that had formed outside.
‘The ED remained open at all times to those requiring care, including those arriving via personal car or via ambulance,’ a hospital spokesperson said.
The church has since issued a statement confirming that Bishop Emmanuel and a senior priest are in stable condition and appealing for peace and prayers in the wake of the violence.
This incident has prompted community leaders and officials to speak out. NSW Premier Chris Minns described the scene as disturbing and called for calm.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe,’ the premier said.
‘It’s important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of Police and Emergency Services.’
‘We are a strong community in NSW, and it’s important that we all stick together, particularly in the face of adversity.’
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community shared its profound sadness and shock, unequivocally condemning the attack and extending sympathy to the victims.
‘We extend our deepest sympathy to all those injured in the attack and wish them a speedy and complete recovery,’ the community’s National President and Grand Imam expressed.
Cumberland City Councillor and former Mayor Steve Christou also condemned the ‘unprovoked and mindless attack’, urging the community to focus on love and prayer rather than anger.
The attack comes after another stabbing rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction, which claimed six lives and injured several others, including a baby girl.
There is no indication that the two events are connected.
You can watch Sunrise’s coverage below:
Credit: 7NEWS Australia / YouTube
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