Man in custody after church attack

Lawmen are investigating an attack at the Sion Hill New Testament Church of God, Sion Hill, St James, which occurred around 11:30 a.m. today.

Police confirmed that the alleged perpetrator is in custody assisting with investigations, and two persons who were injured in the melee were taken to the Sandy Crest Medical Centre for treatment.

“Their injuries are not serious,” Police Public Relations Officer Acting Inspector Rodney Inniss said in a statement.

In a video posted on the church’s website, Minister Alison Holder recounted the incident which occurred during the live stream of this morning’s service.

“A young man just came into this church and demanded that we not call upon the name of Jesus Christ. He came upon this platform, he spat in my face, he spat in the pastor’s face. He then began to assault the pastor of the New Testament Church at Sion Hill, demanding that we stop calling the name of Jesus,” she said.

“We have put this matter before the Lord, but we have also called the [Barbados Police Service].”

In the video, the shirt of Pastor Gregney Holder was bloodied.

Minister Holder also reported that the altar and benches were destroyed during the incident.

However, she assured that church members were “safe and alive” and would not be deterred from worship.

“This country is to be a safe country where we can worship God in peace. We continue to stand on the power of Jesus Christ,” she said.