Wakeley church stabbing: Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel speaks after attack

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel has spoken out for the first time since he was attacked while delivering a sermon, saying he had forgiven his attacker and was recovering well.

The bishop who was stabbed while delivering a sermon in Sydney’s southwest has spoken for the first time since the attack, saying he was recovering and that he had forgiven his attacker.

In a video, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel from Christ the Good Shepherd Church said: “I’m doing fine, I’m recovering very quickly”.

“There’s no need to be worried or concerned,” he said.

“I need you to act Christlike, the Lord Jesus never taught us to fight, he never taught us to retaliate.

“He never said an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth — never return evil with evil, return it with good.”

The Assyrian religious leader said he “will always pray for” his attacker.

“What has happened to me personally, I thank the Lord Jesus who sent a huge blessing for me and I forgive whoever has done this act,” Bishop Mar Mari said..

“I say to him, you’re my son, I love you and I will always pray for you.

“And whoever sent you to do this, I forgive them as well in Jesus’ mighty name.”

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel said he had forgiven his attacker in the video message.

The bishop said he “has love for everyone” of all religions.

“I have nothing in my heart but love for everyone, whether that person is a Christian or not, it’s totally beside the point,” he said.

“The Lord Jesus always taught us to love one another.

“Love God, I love your neighbor like yourself. Whoever that neighbor is, we need to love them and respect them.”

Bishop Mar Mari and Father Isaac Royel were injured in the stabbing attack at the Wakeley church on Monday night.

Bishop Mari Emmanuel said he is recovering well after the attack.

Because of the religious links to the stabbing, NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) have declared the incident a terror attack.

The Bishop’s comments were published in a video online with another member of the church, Father Daniel Kochou saying the bishop was “receiving great care” while condemning the actions of rioters.

“An attempt was made on the life of our beloved Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel,” Father Kochou said.

“We wish to confirm that Grace Mar Mari Emmanuel sustained non-life threatening injuries during the attack. We can confirm that his condition is stable and he’s receiving great care.”

The bishop and priest were injured at Wakeley’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

He said Father Royel was also recovering well along with church members who had been injured during the incident.

“NSW Police have apprehended the attacker and the necessary rule of law shall prevail,” he said.

He called the actions of the rioters “unnecessary” and “disturbing.”

“The unfortunate events which took place outside the church caused unnecessary delays and threats to both victims, paramedics and police,” he said.

“The Church does not condone the activities which took place whereby several persons were injured, property damaged and delays in rendering much-needed assistance.”

Father Kochou also claimed several rioters were not members of the church and called for them to cooperate with police.

“There was a large contingent of people who were not members of the church who attended and caused a major disturbance,” he said.

“His Grace Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel preaches love and peace. However, the events that took place were quite the opposite.

“It is his wish for everyone to resort to private prayer and to not escalate the matter any further.

“The church is cooperating fully with NSW Police in all StrikeForce investigations currently underway.”

TEEN THE FIRST CHARGED OVER SYDNEY CHURCH STABBING RIOT

A teenager is the first person to be arrested and charged over the violent riot that occurred after Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel’s stabbing on Monday night.

Police arrested a 19-year-old on Wednesday over the riot outside an Assyrian church on Monday. Picture: NSW Police

There, 19-year-old Dani Mansour was led outside and spoke with police before being arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station, where he remained until late in the evening.

Mansour was charged with riot, affray and destroying or damaging property during public disorder.
He was refused bail and will appear at Blacktown Local Court on Thursday.

It is the first arrest police have made so far over the incident. Picture: NSW Police

More arrests are expected to be made by Strike Force Dribs officers after numerous police were injured and more than 40 police cars damaged during the melee.

It comes as dozens of extra police have hit the streets of Western Sydney in an effort to restore calm after Monday’s violent scenes at a Wakeley church.

Over 100 police have joined Strike Force Dribs, which was set up to calm tensions in the community following the stabbing and ensuing riot at Christ the Good Shepherd Church.

Dani Mansour was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with three offences. Picture: NSW Police

More than 70 extra officers have been patrolling the streets of Wakeley and surrounding areas since Tuesday night, while a further 32 investigators are now probing the actions of the thousands-strong mob outside the Assyrian Christian church where police were pelted with bricks, hit with metal poles and police cars trashed, leaving forty-seven police officers injured and 30 police cars damaged so badly officers cannot use them.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the extra officers, which include both specialist officers and general duty police, would help keep the community “free from violence and intimidation”, and praised the work of police so far.

SPolice at the scene of the riot. Picture: Monique Harmer

WRioters injured dozens of police and damaged 30 cars so badly police cannot use them. Picture: TNV

“These extra boots on the ground will help provide calm and safety at a time when it’s needed most,” Police Minister Yasmin Catley said.

“(Since Monday), we’ve seen the best of the best from the NSW Police Force. These officers run towards danger and put their lives on the line to protect the community. I’ve never been prouder.”

Strike Force officers are collecting CCTV footage and mobile phone videos in an attempt to find, arrest and charge more people who allegedly took part in the violence.

Member for Fairfield David Saliba welcomed the increased police presence.

“Everyone deserves to be safe and that is paramount … these additional police resources will facilitate broader government measures to promote peace and harmony in Fairfield and surrounding areas,” Mr Saliba said.

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