{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1775503,
        "msgid": "gms-bantul-congregation-holds-online-worship-service-today-1780287184",
        "date": "2026-05-31 12:33:01",
        "title": "GMS Bantul Congregation Holds Online Worship Service Today",
        "author": "",
        "source": "DETIK_JOGJA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Regulation",
        "summary": "The GMS Bantul church congregation has switched to online worship following government directives, as their permit application for in-person services remains pending. Local authorities confirmed the temporary closure of the Sewon church building with no alternative venue provided, while the church seeks a swift resolution to resume physical gatherings.",
        "content": "<p>The GMS Bantul congregation has decided to hold online worship\nservices, hoping this measure is only temporary.<\/p>\n<p>The announcement was posted on Instagram <span class=\"citation\" data-cites=\"gmschurch\">@gmschurch<\/span>: \u2018Following the government\u2019s\nofficial advice, all GMS Bantul worship activities on 31 May 2026 are\ncancelled and moved to online streaming via gms.church.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>GMS Central Public Relations Josiah Michael confirmed the decision\nwhen contacted, stating the congregation cannot hold services at their\nchurch building.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018I am correct, the worship is online,\u2019 Josiah said.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Following the guidance, we are not holding onsite worship this week\nin Bantul,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n<p>Josiah hopes this online service is only for today. They are working\nto complete the permit requirements to resume services soon.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018We hope only today\u2019s service is online, as gathering at the church\nis a religious obligation. We will continue coordinating with Bantul\nRegency Government. Please pray for a swift resolution,\u2019 Josiah\nsaid.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, GMS Bantul stated they are completing administrative\npermit requirements to resume worship at their Glugo church in Sewon,\nBantul, after being forcibly disbanded by a group.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018We are still coordinating on the administrative requirements,\u2019\nJosiah said on Wednesday 27 May.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018GMS Bantul is ready to provide any additional documents needed,\u2019 he\nadded.<\/p>\n<p>Bantul Regent Abdul Halim Muslih revealed the agreement between\nForkopimda and GMS Sewon following the church\u2019s disbandment, stating the\nbuilding will not be used temporarily.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Yesterday, it was agreed that the building will not be used for\nworship for now,\u2019 Halim said at Masjid Agung Manunggal Bantul on\nWednesday 27 May.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding a temporary worship venue, Halim stated it was not part of\nthe agreement, so the regency government cannot provide an\nalternative.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018We are following the previous agreement that for now, our Christian\nbrothers in GMS should not use the building,\u2019 he said.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/gms-bantul-congregation-holds-online-worship-service-today-1780287184",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}