Hymn singing was interrupted by the screams and screams of frightened children at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah on Saturday evening (Nov 9) when a 37-year-old man suddenly stabbed Catholic priest Reverend Christopher Lee.

The Sinhalese attacker from Singapore approached the priest during communion and stabbed him with a folding knife. The former had previously declared to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority that he was a Christian.

The man, whose name has not been released, will be charged in court on Monday, November 11, with intentionally causing grievous bodily harm with a dangerous weapon. Police will also seek a court order to detain the man for psychiatric evaluation.

If convicted, the man faces up to 15 years in prison, as well as a fine or caning.

Four more items were found in the suspect’s possession, including potentially dangerous weapons.

At a press conference held just after midnight on Sunday, November 10, police said there was currently no evidence that the attack was religiously motivated.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect acted alone and police do not suspect that this was an act of terrorism,” Jurong Police Division Deputy Commander and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DAC) Bertran Chia said.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Two members of the public, Richard Tan Chai Boon and Damien Liew Khee Rui, were also presented with the Spirit of the People Award at the press conference for their bravery and public courage in disarming the man and helping to detain him until the police arrived.

Singapore’s political leaders and various religious organizations have spoken out against the attack.

Speaking on Facebook late last night, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said: “Violence has no place in Singapore. Most importantly, we must protect the safety and sanctity of our places of worship – places where people seek peace, solace and community.”

Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong also said on Facebook that “this type of violence, in any form and for any reason, has absolutely no place in Singapore, let alone in a workshop.”

The Interfaith Organization, which represents 10 religions, issued a statement condemning “an act of violence in a sacred space where individuals gather for religious services.” It also called on Singaporeans to demonstrate interfaith compassion and social harmony.

Taoist group Quan Zhen Cultural Association said on Facebook that it “stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church and strongly condemns all forms of violence in places of worship.”

He added that “such spaces should be kept sacred and safe for everyone.”

‘I am shocked and deeply saddened’: Cardinal William Goh

In a pastoral message, Cardinal William Goh shared that he was “shocked and deeply saddened by the violence committed against one of our beloved priests as he celebrated Mass in the House of God.”

Cardinal Goh, Archbishop of Singapore, also called on the Catholic community “not to speculate about the incident or pass judgment without knowing all the facts.”

St Joseph’s Church announced that services and events will continue as normal on Sunday.

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