Incident at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah, Singapore
Stabbing of Parish Priest
A shocking incident occurred at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah, Singapore, on Saturday when the parish priest, Christopher Lee, 57, was stabbed by a knife-wielding man during mass. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community and has led to a heightened sense of security at places of worship.
Police Investigation
The Singapore home ministry has confirmed that a man will be charged tomorrow with voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon. The police will also seek a court order for him to be remanded for psychiatric evaluation. According to the ministry, the man is believed to have acted alone and there is currently no evidence to suggest that the incident was a religiously motivated attack or linked to terrorism.
Security Measures
In response to the incident, the police have stepped up patrols at places of worship to provide assurance to the public. The ministry has emphasized that the police are working closely with the church authorities to ensure the safety and security of all worshippers.
Church Response
The Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh, has expressed his concern over the incident and has called for a review of the security protocols already in place in the church’s parishes. However, he has also emphasized the importance of balancing security measures with the need to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for worshippers.
Suspect’s Background
Local media has identified the suspect as Basnayake Keith Spencer, a 37-year-old Singaporean with a history of assault and drug-related offences. The suspect was disarmed by two members of the congregation and later arrested by police officers.
Conclusion
The incident at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah, Singapore, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing security and safety at places of worship. While the church and the authorities are taking steps to ensure the safety of worshippers, it is also important to recognize the need to balance security measures with the need to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the incident at St Joseph’s Church?
A: The parish priest, Christopher Lee, was stabbed by a knife-wielding man during mass.
Q: Who is the suspect?
A: The suspect is Basnayake Keith Spencer, a 37-year-old Singaporean with a history of assault and drug-related offences.
Q: What are the police doing to ensure the safety of worshippers?
A: The police have stepped up patrols at places of worship to provide assurance to the public.
Q: What is the church doing to respond to the incident?
A: The church will revisit the security protocols already in place in its parishes and will work closely with the authorities to ensure the safety and security of all worshippers.