A priest in Singapore was stabbed by a knife-wielding man during Mass on Saturday evening, prompting the local cardinal to reconsider security measures in churches. Source: Crux.
Fr Christopher Lee, 57, is the parish priest of St Joseph’s Church, and is in stable condition. The 37-year-old attacker was restrained by parishioners and later arrested.
“This incident has not only grievously injured a religious leader in a place of worship, but has sown fear in the community,” Cardinal William Goh, the Archbishop of Singapore, said.
A spokesperson from the Singapore Archdiocese Communications Office said Fr Lee is “well-loved by the parishioners and known for being kind and compassionate to everyone.”
“He is a dedicated pastor to his flock, and an integral part of the parish community. He also serves as a member of the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission and is school chaplain for De La Salle School,” the spokesperson said.
Police said the attacker has past antecedents “for serious hurt and misuse of drugs offences.”
“Based on the preliminary investigations, the man is believed to have acted alone and, at this stage, police do not suspect that this was an act of terrorism. The public is urged to remain calm and refrain from speculation as investigations are ongoing to ascertain the motive behind this incident,” the police said.
In a statement, Cardinal Goh said: “It is timely for us to reflect on the safety and security of our churches, especially during worship.”
Cardinal Goh said the archdiocese will revisit the security protocols already in place in its parishes.
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Priest stabbed in Singapore is in stable condition (By Nirmala Carvalho, Crux)
