The bishop and several others people were stabbed during a sermon that was being streamed online.
The incident happened on Monday evening. Police responded to reports that a number of people had been stabbed but said none of their injuries were life-threatening.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, who gained a large online following during the Covid pandemic, was offering Mass at the church just after 7 pm, when a man approached him at the altar and allegedly stabbed toward his head multiple times. Three worshippers were also injured in the alleged attack.
A live stream of the mass shows the congregation swarm forward toward the bishop, before the footage was cut off.
Fr Isaac Royel was also stabbed, police said. Both Bishop Emmanuel and Fr Royel were taken to hospital with injuries that were not life threatening.
The New South Wales police said that they have arrested a 15-year-old accused, adding an officer has been injured.
The attacker has been taken to an undisclosed location, police said.
Police officers clashed with a large crowd of several hundred people that gathered outside the church in the wake of the incident to protest about the stabbing. Riot police were called in to forcibly move the crowd on after police cars were smashed.
Police said they were still working to restore order hours after the stabbing, as a helicopter flew overhead urging the crowd to leave the area.
Vehicles were damaged as people threw stones, bricks and bottles and, according to Reuters news agency, police fired pepper spray. Witnesses said the people gathered were demanding for the attacker to be brought outside.
Police said, “a large police response is under way and the public is urged to avoid the area.”
State premier Chris Minns also urged the community remain calm.
“Disturbing scenes tonight in Wakeley tonight,” he said in a post to X. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe. It’s important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of Police and Emergency Services.”
At least four people were stabbed but police said none of their injuries were life-threatening and they were treated by NSW ambulance paramedics.
The stabbing comes days after six people were killed at a shopping mall in Sydney. The attacker was later shot dead by a police officer.
Police are urging eyewitnesses or anyone with information, or mobile phone vision to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
(Agencies; Picture Courtesy: Reuters)
