Achi news desk-
After a message spread on social media about the candlelight vigil and a special prayer, many more began to visit the Church of Messiah the Good Shepherd in Weekley in the evenings.
However, when people started arriving around 7.30pm on Tuesday, church officials were heard removing them.
The church also took to social media and asked people not to show up outside the place of worship.
“Beloved believers, we kindly request that no one enter the church premises until further notice,” they wrote in a message to the congregation.
“Despite the rumors of a prayer meeting at 9 p.m. tonight, the church is closed and we will not allow anyone to enter.”
While many left after being told the vigil would not take place, a handful stuck around long enough to light a candle in a symbol of hope and prayer.
The evening’s peaceful scenes were a stark contrast to the unrest that erupted on Monday evening after Bishop Mar Mary Emmanuel was stabbed during his live-streamed sermon.
Hundreds of followers watching online rushed to the scene after the attack, and some people eventually contacted police and paramedics at the scene.
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody at an undisclosed location in Sydney, accused of using a knife to stab the bishop and another priest.
NSW Premier Chris Means said the boy’s fingers were cut during the attack.
The police have not yet charged the boy but are treating the incident as an act of terrorism.
