SINGAPORE - A shocking incident occurred on November 9 at St Joseph’s Church, located in Upper Bukit Timah, where Reverend Christopher Lee was attacked during Mass. This unexpected violence rattled the congregation, and the priest, now recovering, expressed deep gratitude to those who came to his aid.
After the incident, Reverend Lee, 57, took to the church’s weekly parish bulletin on November 17 to thank the worshippers for their swift intervention, which prevented what could have been more devastating injuries. The bravery showcased by two men, Richard Tan Chai Boon and Damien Liew Khee Rui, has drawn widespread praise. They disarmed the assailant and held him down until the police arrived.
Father Lee, reflecting on the attack, underlined the importance of community support during such trying times. “Your love and well-wishes have touched my heart and significantly aided my recovery,” he noted. His thoughts also extended to the children present during the Mass, emphasizing their well-being amid the incident.
Notably, the attack, which left him with severe injuries including lacerations on his tongue, lip, and mouth, raised serious concerns about safety in places of worship—a concern not just for St Joseph’s Church. Reverend Lee stated the church would review its security measures to strike the right balance between safety and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Cardinal William Goh addressed the issue by stating, via pastoral letter, the need for security without letting fear dictate actions. He warned against overreacting, stating, “Going overboard with security measures may discourage the faithful from coming to church, and overreacting would show a lack of courage, allowing evil to triumph by controlling our lives.”
Given the increasing concern over safety, the Catholic Church has been proactive. Since 2016, the Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations Council has focused on coordinating and improving security across parishes, preparing for potential threats.
The man accused of attacking Father Lee has been identified as Basnayake Keith Spencer, 37. His background, which includes previous convictions for violence, raises discomforting questions about how such incidents can occur even within ostensibly safe environments. Spencer was charged with one count of voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon shortly after the attack.
While Father Lee is currently recuperated and has been discharged from the hospital following successful surgery on November 15, the incident left its mark not only on him but also on the congregation's sense of safety. The outpouring of community support has been immense, providing comfort to those shaken by the event.
The police and the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore also commented on the attack. They condemned the violence as unacceptable, emphasizing places of worship must remain safe sanctuaries for all. This spirit of unity was echoed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who called for calm and solidarity among citizens during this unsettling period.
“Our nation must remain united, and we should not let acts of violence sway our commitment to community and togetherness,” Wong stated. His words reinforced the idea of resilience among Singaporeans, supporting the notion of rejecting fear and maintaining peace.
Overall, the incident at St Joseph’s Church has ignited discussions around the safety of public spaces, the measures needed to protect them, and the resilience of the community. Father Christopher Lee’s gratitude remains heartfelt, as much for the actions of those who assisted him as for the overwhelming support he has received since the attack. The path to healing continues not just for him but for the congregation and the broader community, as they navigate the aftereffects of this violence.
Moving forward, St Joseph’s Church will undoubtedly take the necessary steps to bolster security measures, ensuring the church can serve as both a safe harbor and a welcoming environment for all who seek comfort within its walls. The events of November 9 will remain etched in the minds of many, but they also serve as a reminder of collective strength and commitment to community values.
