A nation in shock

Posted on December 15, 2025 
Filed under for your prayers, NSW, Parishes

“Just minutes before, they had prayed for the Jewish community at the start of Chanukah, then, as the congregation of Bondi Anglican Church was leaving, they heard shots ringing out at the beach nearby.

‘A whole crowd of people ran past our church building which goes down to the beach, very close to where the violence occurred,’ said Bondi’s senior minister Martin Morgan. ‘So as we were leaving the church we saw people running past and we came back into the church building. Two or three of our church members who are in the crowd saw what had happened.’ …”

– Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net has this report and video from Martin Morgan, Rector of the parish of Bondi.

Earlier related posts:

Archbishop Kanishka Raffel’s statement on antisemitism — 13 October 2023.

“In recent days we have witnessed repugnant expressions of antisemitism in Sydney which have appalled most Australians and heightened fears among the Jewish community. …”

Action on anti-semitism – SydneyAnglicans, 21 January 2025.

“Any attack on a place of worship is an attack on the principles of freedom of religion, association and conscience, which are foundational for our multicultural and cohesive community,” the Archbishop said in his fourth public statement since the crisis began.

Antisemitic slurs must be rejected – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 10 November 2025.

“The rally staged outside the New South Wales Parliament on Saturday has rightly drawn condemnation from across the community – particularly as it occurred on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 pogrom against Germany’s Jewish community. …”

Threats “will be repudiated by all Australians of goodwill” – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 05 March 2025.

“The threat of a mass shooting against a Western Sydney mosque is abhorrent and distressing, especially as it references the horrific attack in Christchurch that resulted in the murder of 51 people. …”

Further antisemitic attacks – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 13 January 2025.

“For the second time in two months, I am taking the step of expressing the dismay of many Sydneysiders at grotesque acts of antisemitism in our city. …”

Antisemitic attacks – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 11 December 2024.

“The latest attack on the Jewish community in Sydney is egregious, cowardly and despicable. All people of good will, faith or none, will condemn this outrage.…”

Protest action in Sydney Square – Anglican Diocese of Sydney, 30 September 2024.

“It is a long-standing principle that protests around the precincts of St Andrew’s Cathedral, which flow into Sydney Square and the Town Hall, are not supported in any way by the Diocese of Sydney. …”

Prayer for Israel – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 08 October 2023.

“Sydney Anglicans have been shocked and distressed to hear of the attacks on the Jewish people and the State of Israel that have taken place over the last 24 hours. …”

And a reminder to pray for those in authority:

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV.