Priest stabbed in the face during Mass as religion-based hate crime is on the rise worldwide
Attacks against priests are becoming increasingly common around the world, with recent incidents in Singapore, Spain, and Poland highlighting the dangers faced by clergy members. The latest attack in Singapore saw Father Christopher Lee stabbed in the face while he was distributing Holy Communion during Mass. The assailant, Basnayake Keith Spencer, has been charged with causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon.
Father Lee sustained injuries to his tongue, lip, and mouth, but is thankfully recovering. However, he is not the only priest to have been targeted recently. In Spain, three friars at the Monastery of Santo Espíritu del Monte were injured by a man who claimed to be Jesus Christ. Tragically, Father Juan Antonio Llorente succumbed to his injuries two days later. Additionally, in Poland, Father Lech Lachowicz died due to brain damage after being attacked with an axe in his rectory.
These attacks are part of a larger trend of hate crimes targeting religious groups worldwide. In Europe, incidents of hate crimes against Jews, Christians, and Muslims are on the rise. The U.S. has also seen a surge in religiously motivated hate crimes, with attacks against Catholics ranking fourth behind Sikhs, Muslims, and Jews. The FBI reported a 20% increase in religion-based hate crimes in 2023, with anti-Jewish bias accounting for the majority of incidents.
The rise in attacks against priests and other religious figures is deeply concerning and reflects a broader trend of intolerance and violence targeting religious communities. It is essential for authorities to address these hate crimes and protect clergy members who are dedicated to serving their communities. The safety and security of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs, must be a top priority in order to promote peace and harmony in society.
