Attack on Catholic Priest: Christian and other religious leaders express shock and support
Salt&Light // November 10, 2024, 1:36 pm
Father Christopher Lee who was attacked at St Joseph's Church yesterday evening has drawn support from religious leaders across Singapore.
In the wake of an attack on a priest, Father Christopher Lee, during a religious service on Saturday (9 Nov), Christian and other religious leaders expressed their solidarity with the Catholic Church.
Prayer unity movement LoveSingapore said in a statement quoting 1 Corinthians 12:26: “We stand with our brothers and sisters in the Catholic church denouncing violence in any place of worship.
“While we await further updates, we encourage everyone to do the most needful thing: Pray. For healing. For protection. For peace.”
The Alliance of Pentecostal & Charismatic Churches of Singapore said it is “shocked and saddened” by the incident.
“We stand with the Catholic Church in condemning all forms of violence,” said the Alliance in its statement posted late on Saturday.
The National Council of Churches of Singapore, in a letter addressed to Catholic Cardinal William Goh, said they are praying for “a full and swift recovery” for Father Christopher.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church, praying for their safety and peace,” added NCCS President Bishop Lu Guan Hoe in the letter.
Leaders from other religions were also vocal in condemning the act of violence committed during a religious service.
“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church, praying for their safety and peace.”
The Hindu Endowments Board and Hindu Advisory Board issued a joint statement on Facebook, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the stabbing incident at St Joseph’s Church. Acts of violence have no place in our society, especially in sacred spaces meant for peace and reflection.
“The Hindu community stands united in solidarity with the Catholic community and their leaders during this time of sorrow.”
The Singapore Buddhist Federation posted on Facebook: “This unprovoked attack, which took place during a sacred religious event, is appallingly heinous.
“The Buddhist community would like to join all sisters and brothers of all faiths to pray for the speedy recovery of Father Christopher Lee.”
Quan Zhen Cultural Society, a Taoist organisation, added on Facebook: “We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church and strongly condemn any form of violence in places of worship.
“Such spaces must be kept sacred and safe for all.”
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), in a letter addressed to Cardinal Goh quoted on Channel NewsAsia, 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.”
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