The bishop, who was injured in the Sydney Church knife case, spoke out for the first time afterwards, saying he had forgiven the 16-year-old who had been accused of committing a terrorist act.
周一（4月15日）晚上，伊曼纽尔主教（Mar Mari Emmanuel）在Wakeley的基督善牧教堂（Christ the Good Shepherd Church）布道时，被人持刀刺伤。
In an audio released by the church on Thursday, the bishop said he was in good condition and recovering quickly, while calling on congregants to obey the law after the attack.
A 16-year-old was arrested after the attack, but has not yet been charged. He remains in police custody at the hospital.
Bishop Emmanuel said: "I forgive the person who commits this act, whoever it is. I said to him, you are my child, I love you, and I will always pray for you. ”
"Whoever sent you to do this, I forgive them. ”
Police seized the teenager's electronic devices and are investigating whether he may have become aggressive before the attack took place.
The head of Australia's security intelligence organization said the attack appeared to be religiously motivated.
Jamal Rifi, a leader of the Lebanese Muslim community, said the teenager's mother did not believe he had become radical online, adding that the 16-year-old regretted the incident.
He told 2GB Radio: "He's been apologizing to his mother, saying sorry and things like that. ”
Police declared the attack an act of terrorism, and the teenager allegedly made insulting remarks in Arabic before stabbing the bishop. And Bishop Emmanuel has previously publicly criticized Islam and other religions.
In the aftermath of the attack, additional police forces were deployed to western Sydney and around religious sites.
In the riots outside the church, several police officers were injured, more than a dozen police vehicles were damaged, and a large number of police and paramedics were forced to take refuge in the church.
During the riots, a group of people tried to approach the 16-year-old who was accused of the assault while he was being held inside the church.
A 19-year-old man was arrested at a residence in Doonside. He will appear in Blacktown District Court on Thursday on charges of rioting, assaulting a police officer and damaging or damaging property in a public disorder incident.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said more arrests were expected.
He told ABC: "Police have set up a major task force to investigate the riots...... The group came to the church, threw objects and attacked NSW police officers who were on duty. ”
More than 70 police officers have been deployed to West Sydney for intensive patrolling.
Investigators are collating evidence, including cell phones and surveillance footage, to determine the identities of those involved.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said everyone has the right to be free from violence or intimidation in their daily lives and faith activities.
"These additional police forces will help provide calm and security when they are needed most," she said. ”