Opinion
15 December, 2025
A message from St Saviours Cathedral Goulburn's ministry team
Dean of St Saviours Cathedral Goulburn, Gavin Krebs and his ministry team have expressed their sadness on the events of the shooting in Bondi last night.
A message from St Saviour's Cathedral Goulburn Dean, Gavin Krebs on the cathedral's Facebook page:
"I write with a heavy heart in the wake of last night’s appalling violence at Bondi Beach, where members of the Jewish community had gathered to mark the first night of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. What should have been an evening of joy and remembrance was instead shattered by hatred and fear.
"I grieve for those who have been killed and injured.
"I condemn without reservation this antisemitic act and all forms of antisemitism. Such hatred is an affront to our shared humanity and a grave sin against the neighbour we are commanded to love.
"Violence of this kind can never be excused, and it must be named and rejected wherever it appears.
"To Jewish communities across Australia, you are not alone. We at St Saviour’s Cathedral grieve with you, and we stand with you. Your safety matters. Every person has the right to gather, to practise their faith, and to celebrate their culture without fear.
"At St Saviour’s Cathedral we lift before God all who grieve, all who have been injured, those who care for them, and all who carry the heavy burden of trauma in the wake of these events. We commend to God’s mercy the police, paramedics, and hospital staff who have served under extraordinary strain, especially the officers who themselves were wounded while protecting the community. We give thanks for members of the public who showed remarkable courage before police arrived.
"What has unfolded is profoundly distressing. In such moments, we encourage people to draw close to their loved ones, and to treat one another with gentleness.
"If you need support, help is available. Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14 or by text on 0477 13 11 14. Young people up to 25 years of age can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. Beyond Blue is available on 1300 22 4636, and Embrace Multicultural Mental Health offers culturally appropriate support for people from diverse backgrounds."
Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn and Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, The Right Reverend Dr. Mark Short added to Dean Krebs' sentiment.
"On behalf of the Anglican Church of Australia I write to share my horror and grief at the tragic events at Bondi Beach last evening and to express my condolences to all who have lost friends and family members," Dr Short said.
"Today Anglican Christians stand and weep in solidarity with the Jewish community, which has been targeted in a dreadful act of anti-Semitic violence.
"I give thanks to God for the vital work of the police and emergency services and medical professionals and for the heroic efforts of individuals who confronted evil and provided comfort and refuge to those seeking safety. Instead of allowing evil and prejudice to divide us, we must be inspired by these actions to respond together as a nation with compassion and understanding.
"The image of light shining in darkness is central to many faiths. At this time of year members of the Jewish community light candles to remember the re - dedication of the temple while Christians await the coming of Jesus as the light of the world. May we all heed the call to shine light through deeds of love and so bring hope to our neighbourhoods and communities.
"Anglican churches across Australia are praying for our nation at this troubled time."
The cathedral will be open for anybody to come and pray or spend time in silence in the wake of the Bondi shooting.
The cathedral ministry team will also hold an ecumenical (combined denominational) prayer service tonight at 6pm to pray for all those involved.
St Saviour's Cathedral is located at 170 Bourke St, Goulburn.
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