Stung Assyrian Bishop Pardons Assailant and Calls for Calm Amid Sydney Riots

A Sydney bishop who was stabbed in an allegedly religiously motivated attack claims he has forgiven his assailant.

Speaking out, the Assyrian church bishop who was stabbed during a service at his west Sydney church has disclosed that he is healing swiftly and has already extended forgiveness to his assailant.

This occurs as law enforcement steps up their probe into the rioting that broke out after the bishop was stabbed.

For the first time since the stabbing at Sydney’s west Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, the intended victim, spoke out, offering a message of forgiveness and fortitude.

In an audio statement shared on social media, he forgave his attacker and everyone connected to the crime, assuring his fans of his speedy recovery. “I pardon the person who committed this offense… I forgive whoever sent you to do this, and I will always pray for you,” he said.

The town is in shock following the attack on Bishop Emmanuel, which was labeled a terrorist act driven by suspected religious extremism. It happened just a few days after a deadly knife spree at a retail center outside Bondi beach.

Regarding the assault on the bishop, an adolescent has been taken into custody and is being held in a hospital under police guard.

Following the incident, there was a spike in resentment, with a furious mob fighting with police outside the church and demanding revenge on the person they believed to be the assailant.

Commissioner of State Police for New South Wales, Karen Webb, denounced the violence and disclosed that a 19-year-old male who is not connected to the church has been charged for his role in the incident.

“People simply showed up to take part in a riot. Webb said at a news briefing, “That is disgusting and disgraceful.”

While the investigations are ongoing, attempts are being made to bring peace and order back. Bishop Emmanuel asked his people to be calm and follow the law.

In the meantime, the Bondi mall, the scene of another knife assault that happened a few days prior, reopened so that people may honor the victims. Shops stayed closed, and on the second level, a tribute of white flowers was arranged.

Paula Masselos, the mayor of the local council, acknowledged the community’s sorrow and emphasized the need for time to heal from the tragedy. There will be a candlelight vigil on Sunday, and bouquets and flowers are already stacked around a temporary memorial.