Priest stabbed during mass at St Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah, attacker arrested

He still wasn’t sure what had happened until he saw many police officers approaching and heard the term “assailant” being used.

Later he spoke to some parishioners sitting closer to the front. They said there was some commotion and the priest stepped back but was stabbed near his mouth.

The parishioner who spoke to CNA said he remained in the church to pray but was asked by police officers to leave the area outside the service hall.

MESSAGES OF SUPPORT

Several faith-based organizations issued statements in the aftermath of the attack.

AMP Singapore, a non-profit organization serving the Muslim community, wished Father Christopher a speedy recovery and said violence of any kind is “unacceptable and should not be tolerated”.

The Sikh Advisory Council expressed a similar sentiment, noting that places of worship are sacred spaces. It also urged people to remain calm and not speculate on the incident.

LoveSingapore, a Christian movement, also condemned the attack: “We stand with our brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church and condemn the violence in every place of worship.”

The Singapore Buddhist Federation called the attack “senseless”, “unprovoked” and “abhorrently heinous” and said it would join people of all faiths in praying for Father Christopher’s speedy recovery.

The Interfaith Organization (IRO), which aims to promote harmony between different religions, 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,” the IRO said.

“Let us remain calm and united in love and solidarity.”

Additional reporting by Abigail Ng.