A man has been arrested after a bishop was stabbed at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley.

BREAKING: STABBING ATTACK AT SYDNEY CHURCH THIS EVE

Bishop Mar Mari was just attacked during live stream in Wakeley, Sydney (near Fairfield) while delivering his sermon.

No information yet on the perpetrator or motive, but the worst is feared. pic.twitter.com/xBv3IPoYjk

— Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA) April 15, 2024

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was preaching at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley in Sydney’s west on Monday just after 7pm when a man dressed in black walked up to the altar and allegedly stabbed him multiple times.

"Police must be allowed to do their job."

Australian PM @AlboMP speaking on last night's terror attack at a Sydney church. pic.twitter.com/NdBgjzngkn

— Ticker (@tickerNEWSco) April 16, 2024

Police declare Sydney church sermon stabbing a terror attack

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and terror as an assailant approached the altar where Bishop Emmanuel was delivering a sermon.

Chstbrl Saliba, the Deputy Mayor of Fairfield, told Sky News that after the attack, the Bishop got to his feet, and placed his hand on the head of the assailant and began praying for him.

NSW Police said in a statement:

2GB Radio host Ben Fordham says the situation is so chaotic outside the church that police have had to use capsicum spray outside of the church. One woman has been treated.

People are upset. pic.twitter.com/tzBXKtAeif

— Salwan Aziz (@2006salwan1) April 15, 2024

Fordham says police are concerned about the volatile situation outside the church.

Without warning, the attacker unleashed a flurry of stabs, targeting the bishop and several worshippers in a frenzied assault.

Horrifying footage captured the moment of the attack, as the live broadcast on the church’s social media pages captured the unfolding tragedy.

Bishop Emmanuel’s expression of astonishment turned to one of sheer horror as he became the primary target of the assailant’s vicious blows.

NSW ambulance has confirmed at least one person has been taken to hospital.

The assault at Christ the Good Shepherd Church echoes previous instances of mass violence that have rocked Sydney in recent years, after six people were killed by a man at Bondi.