Stabbed Sydney church bishop forgives attacker

SYDNEY: An Assyrian church bishop who was stabbed during a service at his church said he was recovering quickly, and had forgiven his attacker as police ramped up investigation into the riots triggered after the bishop’s stabbing.

Two knife attacks within three days – at a busy shopping centre near Bondi beach that killed six people on Saturday and at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney’s west on Monday – has shocked residents of Australia’s most populous city.

“I am doing fine, recovering very quickly … there is no need to be worried or concerned,” Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel said in an audio message posted on social media, his first public comments since the attack. “I forgive whoever has done this act … I will always pray for you and whoever sent you to do this, I forgive them as well.”

Bishop Emmanuel, who has a popular youth following on TikTok and had criticised homosexuality, COVID vaccinations and Islam in his sermons, was injured in the attack, which has been deemed a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism.

A male teenager has been arrested in the attack on the bishop and is in the hospital under police guard. An angry crowd fought emergency crews outside the church, demanding that the suspected attacker be handed over to them.

New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb said a 19-year-old man, who was not a member of the church, was charged in connection with his role in the riot.

More detectives have been assigned to investigate the riot, which injured about 50 officers and damaged 20 police cars. Bishop Emmanuel urged his congregation to remain calm and respect the law.

As police investigate, the Bondi mall reopened on Thursday to allow people inside to pay their respects to the victims, with stores remaining closed and a white floral tribute laid out on the second floor.

Businesses are expected to resume trade starting Friday. A candlelight vigil will be held on Sunday as flowers and bouquets pile up at a makeshift memorial.