SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Following the stabbing of a priest at a Catholic church in Upper Bukit Timah on Saturday, police have stepped up patrols at places of worship there.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MHA) said in a statement on Sunday (November 10) that although there was no evidence to suggest that the attack was religiously motivated or an act of terrorism, it was done to provide reassurance to the public.

The 37-year-old Singaporean attacker, identified as Basnayake Keith Spencer, stabbed Reverend Christopher Lee while the priest was leading evening mass at St Joseph’s Church.

Officials said the quick response of church members helped prevent further harm to the priest and possibly others, and that the incident underscores the importance of being prepared for an emergency.

Preliminary police investigations revealed that the attacker was disarmed by two members of the congregation, one of whom was part of the church’s emergency response team. Other members of the congregation gave first aid to the priest before authorities arrived.

MHA said police arrived at the scene within 10 minutes of the call for help and arrested the attacker. It added that police were in contact with St Joseph’s Church to provide support and resources, including professional psychological support, to congregants, including children, who witnessed the attack.

As with those who helped in the aftermath of the attack, Singaporeans can do their part to build community resilience to emergencies by staying alert, responding appropriately to threats, and acquiring life-saving skills such as first aid and the use of an automatic external defibrillator. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation will also be carried out, the ministry said.

“These skills can make the difference between life and death and are critical before authorities arrive on the scene,” MHA added.

In the initial police investigation, it was determined that the attacker’s gun was disarmed by two members of the community. – PHOTO: ST READER

In the statement, Home Affairs Minister and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said he was encouraged to read about the support from other faiths in Singapore in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

“We have seen in other countries that incidents of violence in a religious setting or with religious overtones can sometimes create mistrust and suspicion within religious communities,” he said.

“We are fortunate in Singapore to have our diverse faiths and their leaders stand shoulder to shoulder in support during challenging times, including this incident.

Mr Shanmugam added that it would be to Singapore’s benefit if other attacks, including terrorist attacks, occur.

Separately, the Catholic Church here said it would reconsider the safety protocols already in place in its parishes, while acknowledging that churches are public spaces.

Archbishop William Goh said in a pastoral letter on Nov. 10 that overdoing security measures could deter believers from attending church, and overreacting would “demonstrate a lack of courage and allow evil to triumph by controlling our lives.”

He said the Catholic Church anticipated security incidents and established the Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations Council in 2016 to coordinate and improve the security of parishes there.

Still, he added, anyone visiting the church should be careful and alert those on duty if they notice anything unusual. – Straits Times/ANN