Assyrian bishop delivering a sermon at a church in Wakeley, Australia, was stabbed, resulting in visual impairment in one of his eyes. Two weeks after the April 15 incident, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel addressed the congregation at the Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd church in Wakeley during a Sunday evening service. With an eyepatch covering his right eye, he delivered sermons in both Arabic and English.
In his Arabic sermon, Emmanuel reflected on his eye injury, describing it as a “sacrifice” and emphasizing the importance of showing love to Muslims. He expressed forgiveness towards his attacker, stating, “I will always pray for you; I will always wish you nothing but the best.”
Emmanuel, who was stabbed during the church service, spent several days recovering in the hospital following the incident.
As a legal battle between the Australian government and the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, unfolds, a clergyman offered his perspective on freedom of speech. X and its owner, Elon Musk, have announced their intention to challenge an Australian government directive demanding the removal of a video depicting the attack on the bishop, with the platform facing potential daily fines of $500,000.
Addressing the situation, the clergyman emphasized the fundamental right to freedom of speech and religion for all individuals. “Every human being has the right to their freedom of speech and freedom of religion,” he affirmed, directing his message to the Australian government and Prime Minister Mr. Albanese.
He continued, expressing that individuals of various faiths and beliefs, including Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, atheists, and Christians, all have the right to express their views. “For us to assert that free speech is perilous, that it cannot thrive in a democratic society, is something I struggle to comprehend,” he remarked, as reported by The Guardian.
Asserting the importance of civilized discourse, he stated, “We should be able to criticize, to voice our opinions, even if at times they may be perceived as offensive. However, we should not fear for our safety or lives to be threatened.”
Concluding his remarks, he extended a message of forgiveness and blessings even to those who may criticize or attack his faith, stating, “A non-Christian may critique my beliefs, may assail my faith, but I will offer this: may God forgive you and may God bless you.”
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