Mar Mari Emmanuel is a well-known Christian bishop. Although serving in New South Wales, his message of hope has gone viral across numerous social networks. People around the world have been inspired by messages from this leader.

But his community—and many around the world—were shocked when his church livestream was interrupted by a knife-wielding terrorist. The young man attacked Emmanuel and several other people in the church.

The bishop sustained injuries to his face and head. His local community demonstrated outside his church in protest of the horrible attack. But as the bishop is recovering in the hospital, he released a statement that is inspiring millions.

From Breitbart:
An Assyrian church bishop who was stabbed during a service at his Sydney church has publicly offered forgiveness to his alleged attacker.

He called for his supporters not to retaliate over the attack but instead behave in a “Christlike” way…

“I forgive whoever has done this act,” he said. “And I say to him, ‘You’re my son. I love you and I will always pray for you.’

“And whoever sent you to do this, I forgive them as well in Jesus’s mighty name.”

“I have nothing in my heart but love for everyone. Whether that person is a Christian or not, it’s totally beside the point.”

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, through his church, released a statement after he was violently attacked by a young man. He stated he loved and forgave the person who did it. And he forgave “whoever sent [him]” to attack the bishop and other church members.

The beloved pastor called on his church to pray for the accused attacker instead of seeking retaliation. He asked them to be “Christlike” during this time of trouble. He said that the “Lord Jesus never taught us to fight.”

This will come as comforting news to many people concerned over the bishop’s welfare. The specifics of his injuries have not been disclosed, but he is “recovering well.”

His call for forgiveness might cut against the grain to many, as these days tensions are high around the world. People are becoming increasingly hostile to those they see as their enemies—especially over hot topics like religion or politics.

But the bishop’s call is a reminder that few should forget.

Key Takeaways:

• Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel forgave the man who attacked him in church.
• The well-known bishop was attacked during his service livestream, sustaining injuries.
• He called on his church to forgive and not seek retaliation.

Source: Breitbart