Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, who was stabbed at a Sydney church on Monday night, has spoken out, expressing his forgiveness towards his attacker.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The New South Wales Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
The Assyrian Orthodox Christ The Good Shepherd Church shared an audio recording from the bishop, where he assured his followers that he is “doing fine” and recovering rapidly.
The 16-year-old assailant was apprehended following the attack, which authorities are treating as a “terrorist incident”.
“I forgive whoever has done this act,” he said.
The 53-year-old underwent surgery for head lacerations sustained during the assault.
“And I will always pray for you. And whoever sent you to do this, I forgive them as well in Jesus’s mighty name,” he added.
“We pray for our country, our beloved country, Australia, and our beautiful city of Sydney.”
Bishop Emmanuel also urged his community to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
He said that Jesus never advocated for violence or revenge, and asked individuals to act “Christ-like”.
“The Lord Jesus never said to us, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb highlighted the severity of the attack, saying that the bishop was “lucky to be alive”.
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.