In a troubling series of events, violence against clergy has emerged as a significant concern in different parts of the world. Recently, the Bishop of Chimbu, Bishop Paul Sundu, condemned the killing of Fr Moses Gende, a priest in Papua New Guinea. Fr Gende was murdered in his parish, an act that Bishop Sundu described as a 'heinous act' that 'sent shockwaves through our community and beyond'. He emphasized that this crime is not just an attack on one individual or one faith, but an assault on the principles of peace, compassion, and respect for all life. The bishop called for unequivocal condemnation of the act, justice for the victim, and accountability for the perpetrators. This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for unity, understanding, and solidarity in the face of senseless violence [914ebdd9].
Meanwhile, in Singapore, a separate but equally alarming incident occurred on November 9, 2024, when a 57-year-old Roman Catholic priest was stabbed during mass. The attacker, a 37-year-old member of the local Sinhalese community, was apprehended by congregation members after being disarmed. Authorities have stated that they do not suspect terrorism in this case. The priest is currently in stable condition at the hospital. Edwin Tong, Singapore's Second Minister for Law, condemned the violence, asserting that such acts have no place in Singapore [e4b42c6d].
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by religious communities worldwide, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and community solidarity to protect places of worship and their leaders. Both Bishop Sundu and Minister Tong's strong condemnations reflect a shared commitment to uphold peace and security within their respective communities, urging collective action against violence [914ebdd9][e4b42c6d].