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When CNA arrived at the church at about 7.50pm, at least eight police vehicles and 20 officers were seen on the church premises.
Expressing shock and sadness, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he hoped parishioners would heal from this "traumatic event".
"Violence has no place in Singapore. Most of all, we must uphold the safety and sanctity of our places of worship - places where people seek peace, solace, and community," Mr Wong wrote in a Facebook post.
"Let us stay calm and united, supporting each other in the spirit of harmony and resilience that defines us as Singaporeans."
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong condemned the attack.
"Very shocked to learn that a priest was stabbed at St Joseph’s Church about an hour ago during mass at the church. I understand that the subject has been disarmed and apprehended. The paramedics are attending to the priest. He is being conveyed to the hospital, and he is conscious. Praying that he is ok," said Mr Tong in a Facebook post at 8pm.
"Such violence, of any form and for any reason, has absolutely no place in Singapore, let alone at a place of worship. The relevant authorities will investigate this incident and address it appropriately."
CATHOLIC LEADER "DEEPLY SADDENED"
Cardinal Goh, the head of the Catholic Church in Singapore, said he was "shocked and deeply saddened that violence has been committed against one of our beloved priests in the house of God while he was celebrating Mass".
"I am also very concerned about the psychological impact this incident may have had on our children and all who witnessed this attack," he said on his social media accounts.
"I ask the faithful to remain calm, not to speculate on the incident or pass judgment without knowing all the facts. We must allow the authorities to investigate the matter."
One person who attended the mass said he was near the back of the hall when the incident happened.
The man, who declined to be named, said an announcement was made asking parishioners to sit down and remain calm, and informing them that an ambulance had been called.
Parishioners were told not to drive out so that they would not block the way of the ambulance, he said.
They were also asked to pray for Father Christopher, he added.
He was still unsure of what had happened until he saw many police officers arriving and heard the term "assailant" being used.
Later, he spoke to some parishioners who were seated nearer the front. They said there was some commotion, and that the priest stepped back but was stabbed near his mouth.
The parishioner who spoke to CNA said he stayed in the church to pray, but was asked by police officers to leave the area outside the service hall.
MESSAGES OF SUPPORT
Several religion-based organisations issued statements in the wake of the attack.
AMP Singapore, a non-profit organisation serving the Muslim community, wished Father Christopher a swift recovery and said violence of any kind is "unacceptable and should not be tolerated".
In a letter addressed to Cardinal Goh, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said it stands together with Catholics and all faith communities in Singapore in protecting the sanctity of all places of worship.
"There can be no place for any form of violence, especially not in the name of any religion and in religious spaces."
The Sikh Advisory Board expressed a similar sentiment, noting that places of worship are sacred spaces. It also urged people to remain calm and not speculate about the incident.
LoveSingapore, a Christian movement, also condemned the attack: "We stand with our brothers and sisters in the Catholic church denouncing violence in any place of worship."
Calling the attack "senseless", "unprovoked" and "appallingly heinous", the Singapore Buddhist Federation said it would join those from all faiths to pray for the quick recovery of Father Christopher.
The Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), which aims to promote harmony between the different faiths, urged the public to show support for the Catholic community.
"These are times to demonstrate interfaith compassion and social cohesion, as we have always done in Singapore," said the IRO.
"Let us remain calm and united in love and solidarity."
In a media release on Sunday, Malay-Muslim charity Perdaus condemned the attack and called for peace in places of worship.
The Hindu Endowments Board and Hindu Advisory Board said they were "deeply saddened" by the incident.
"Acts of violence have no place in our society, especially in sacred spaces meant for peace and reflection," they said in a joint statement.
"The Hindu community stands united in solidarity with the Catholic community and their leaders during this time of sorrow."
Additional reporting by Abigail Ng.
Source: CNA/ac
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09-Nov 2024 Saturday
8:14 PM (55 days ago)
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