Various religious leaders in Singapore have condemned the stabbing of a priest named Father Christopher Lee at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah.

They also came together to support and pray for Lee, who was resting and recovering in the hospital after surgery.

Injured Catholic priest in ‘good spirits’ after surgery

Recent updates by Minister of Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and Cardinal William Goh stated that Lee was recovering and in good spirits when Goh visited him on November 10.

In a video shared by Goh, the priest was seen giving the thumbs up and waving at the camera.

Tong shared that Lee’s surgery went well and he is currently resting in the hospital.

Support from various religious groups

Earlier in the morning, Minister of State for Culture, Society and Youth Alvin Tan posted public letters from various religious leaders on Facebook.

These religious leaders stand in solidarity with the Catholic community, saying there can be no place for any form of violence, especially in the name of religion and in religious venues.

muslim community

Singapore Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir said Muslims “act together with Catholics and all faith communities in Singapore to protect the safety and sanctity of all places of worship and to reinforce the peaceful nature of our respective teachings”.

“There can be no place for any form of violence, especially not in the name of any religion and in religious areas,” he added, saying he read the incident with sadness and concern.

While the Muslim community prays for Lee’s speedy recovery, they also pray for the Catholic community to be resilient and determined.

“We hope that this incident will not be used to create any discord and division in our society, but will only strengthen our collective resolve to maintain peace and harmony in Singapore,” he added.

hindu community

The Hindu Foundations Board and the Hindu Advisory Board made a joint statement after the attack and expressed their sadness over the incident.

“Acts of violence have no place in our society, especially in sacred spaces for peace and reflection,” they reiterated.

The Hindu community, in solidarity with the Catholic community, expressed its “heartfelt condolences” to Lee and his loved ones and prayed for his recovery.

Jewish community

Rabbi Mordechai Abergel, Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Welfare Board, called the incident a “sad incident” and said the Jewish community was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the incident.

“As a community that honors all places of worship, we stand in solidarity with our Catholic friends, praying for peace, healing and strength in all faiths,” he said.

“In difficult times like these, Singapore’s strength is in the unity we share,” he added.

Buddhist community

The Buddhist Federation of Singapore described the attack, which occurred during a sacred religious event, as “senseless” and “horribly disgusting”.

“The Buddhist community wishes to join all sisters and brothers of all faiths in praying for the speedy recovery of Father Christopher Lee,” the federation said. he wrote.

They also urged all Singaporeans to refrain from speculating or spreading rumors.

Sikh community

The Sikh Advisory Board expressed shock and sadness over the incident.

“Places of worship are sacred spaces and we cannot tolerate violent acts here, as in the rest of Singapore,” they added.

They similarly urged everyone not to speculate on the incident.

Other organizations

The Coordinating Council of Circles of Harmony, the Singapore Interfaith Organization and the National Council of Churches in Singapore also responded to the attack. You can read them here:

Overreacting allows evil to triumph: Cardinal William Goh

A. pastoral letter In the statement published by Cardinal William Goh on November 10, he acknowledged that the attack “created fear in society” and called on society to be prepared without overreacting.

“In short, we must continue to live our lives normally, taking practical precautions and looking out for each other.”

Goh said the Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations (AERO) Council, established in 2016, will review security protocols to ensure places of worship remain safe for everyone.

He also assured that Church members are trained to be vigilant in keeping an eye out for visitors who appear suspicious. The Church also works regularly with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Singapore Police Force on security matters.

“While we cannot prevent every event of this nature from occurring, as a society we must be prepared, both mentally and operationally, to protect against them and mitigate the consequences when they do occur.

…

Exaggerating security measures may prevent believers from coming to worship due to the difficulties they experience. Overreacting shows a lack of courage and allows evil to triumph in control of our lives.”

Goh also thanked religious organizations and individuals for their support following the incident.

“I also express my gratitude to the Religious Organizations and individuals who have written to me to express their solidarity, as well as to those who have come forward to provide support by providing prayers for Father Christopher and the Church during this difficult time.”

He also reminded people that they must continue to work together to preserve religious and racial harmony and “not allow confused individuals to sow division and fear among us.”

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Top photo via Cardinal William Goh video and Alvin Tan/Facebook