Members of a Baltimore church are giving thanks this week that their longtime pastor wasn’t seriously injured during a mid-service assault on November 20. According to news reports, a 55-year-old man allegedly attacked Bishop Jerome Stokes with a hammer during Sunday worship at The Church of the Redeemed of the Lord (CRL).
Stokes, 78, received only a minor laceration on one ear. The alleged attacker, whom police say may have been having a mental health crisis, was evaluated at a local hospital.
‘We Thank God That Dr. Stokes Is Okay’
In a statement posted to its Facebook page, the Baltimore church addresses the violent interruption of “our corporate worship experience.” It notes: “We thank God that Dr. Stokes is okay and recovering with only minor injuries. We appreciate the quick response of those parishioners who apprehended the individual. The safety of all who come to worship at CRL is of paramount importance; and our team is reviewing Sunday’s incident and assessing our safety protocols.”
The church concludes by saying it is cooperating with the police investigation and encourages people to pray “for everyone impacted by Sunday’s incident.”
Stokes has served for 35 years at the church, where he is both senior pastor and CEO. He also is an author and broadcasts through The Lamp of Victory radio program.
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