A regular evening mass at St Joseph’s Church took a shocking turn when parish priest, Father Christopher Lee, 57, was stabbed by an assailant in the midst of giving communion at Children’s Mass at 5.30pm today (Nov 9).

The Children’s Mass has adults in attendance but includes children serving mass, said a CNA report.

Members of the congregation who were present, including the Archdiocesan Emergency Response team, helped subdue the assailant, according to a statement by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore.

Father Christopher was taken to the National University Hospital and is in stable condition, said the Civil Defence Force in response to press enquiries.

“Everyone is in a state of shock,” Singapore’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Janet Ang, told Salt&Light. 

“We ask for prayers for Father Christopher’s recovery and healing, and for calm as we understand what caused the incident.”

The assailant was arrested after being disarmed by the church’s emergency response team. He remains in custody. The police urged the public to remain calm and not speculate as investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the incident.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on his social media feeds on Saturday: “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.

“Let us stay calm and united, supporting each other in the spirit of harmony and resilience that defines us as Singaporeans.” 

Added Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong in a Facebook post: “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.”

Religious leaders express shock, support

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 religious also were vocal in condemning the act of violence committed during a religious service.

The Hindu Endowments Board and Hindu Advisory Board issued a joint statement on Facebook. “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.”