Beloved TikTok star Bishop Mar Mari Emmanue of Sydney survives stabbing and continues to be cherished by his community

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, a social media star and controversial preacher, was stabbed during a live-streamed church service in Sydney on Monday. The 53-year-old bishop, known for his fiery sermons on various topics including homosexuality, COVID vaccinations, Islam, and US politics, has a large following on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

The attack, carried out by a male teenager, was captured on video and showed the assailant criticizing Emmanuel’s views on Islam before being subdued by the congregation. Police have labeled the incident as a terrorist attack motivated by religious extremism.

Despite his divisive rhetoric, Emmanuel has also expressed love for the Muslim community and support for causes like Palestinian rights. His popularity surged during the COVID pandemic as his sermons moved online, attracting a younger audience who prefer to watch his content on TikTok.

Following the attack, residents in the community expressed outrage and fear of religious persecution, with some throwing rocks and bricks at police in protest. Many in the area, which is home to Christians from Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Lebanon, have fled their homelands due to religious persecution and are calling for government intervention to prevent further incidents.

The incident has sparked a debate on freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and the role of social media influencers in shaping public opinion. Emmanuel’s supporters defend him as a misunderstood figure, while critics argue that his inflammatory rhetoric incites violence and division.