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bishop mar mari emmanuel (cgsc.org.au)
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His Grace Mar Mari Emmanuel Bishop of Christ The Good Shepherd Church, and another priest, were injured when a teen approached while Emmanuel was preaching and stabbed him. (cgsc.org.au)
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A teenager is facing charges in relation to a knife attack at an Australian church on Monday, and several people including a bishop and priest are recovering from injuries sustained in the attack as well as in violent clashes with police in the aftermath.

The incident was captured on live stream during a church service Monday evening. Video quickly spread online showing the teenage attacker lunging at Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel of the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church. 

Police in Australia are labelling the attack as an act of terrorism. "We believe there are elements that are satisfied in terms of religious motivated extremism," New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb said during a press conference, as reported by Reuters. "After consideration of all the material, I declared that it was a terrorist incident."

The church is located in a suburb of Sydney and it quickly became a scene of more violence and unrest as dozens of people showed up as word of the incident quickly spread. Around 30 people needed medical attention after they clashed with police in anger over the incident. Emergency personnel say seven people were taken to hospital and 20 police vehicles were damaged.

Police say the suspect was held inside the church for several hours for their own safety and has since undergone surgery for injuries to his hand.

Church calls for peace

In a statement issued on the church's social media channels, leaders confirmed the Bishop received injuries after "the attacker approached the lectern with a concealed knife then lunged forth to deliver multiple blows; to the head, then several to the body." 

The church also confirmed that one of its parish priests, Father Isaac Royel, was also targeted and injured. 

The statement then goes on to urge peace rather than vengeance.

"Beloved, let not today's horrific attempt upon Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel's life diminish the Holy, perfect and Sanctified name of the risen Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ our Master, Who has called us to a life of unity, peace and solidarity with one another," the statement reads.

The church says that persecution is part of following Jesus and that "we are taught to honour the image of God, not through vengeance and justice, but in adopting the spirit of humility, love and peace. Christ has in fact called His subjects to become 'the light of the world' meaning those who bear His mark, must fervently uphold this role."

The church also urged caution in what is shared online as fact and to contact the church itself for clarity on the issue.

Another statement from the church confirmed that both the Bishop and the priest are in stable condition, and asked for their privacy as they recover.

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