GMS Bantul Congregation Holds Online Worship Service Today

The GMS Bantul congregation has decided to hold online worship services, hoping this measure is only temporary.

The announcement was posted on Instagram @gmschurch: ‘Following the government’s official advice, all GMS Bantul worship activities on 31 May 2026 are cancelled and moved to online streaming via gms.church.’

GMS Central Public Relations Josiah Michael confirmed the decision when contacted, stating the congregation cannot hold services at their church building.

‘I am correct, the worship is online,’ Josiah said.

‘Following the guidance, we are not holding onsite worship this week in Bantul,’ he added.

Josiah hopes this online service is only for today. They are working to complete the permit requirements to resume services soon.

‘We hope only today’s service is online, as gathering at the church is a religious obligation. We will continue coordinating with Bantul Regency Government. Please pray for a swift resolution,’ Josiah said.

Previously, GMS Bantul stated they are completing administrative permit requirements to resume worship at their Glugo church in Sewon, Bantul, after being forcibly disbanded by a group.

‘We are still coordinating on the administrative requirements,’ Josiah said on Wednesday 27 May.

‘GMS Bantul is ready to provide any additional documents needed,’ he added.

Bantul Regent Abdul Halim Muslih revealed the agreement between Forkopimda and GMS Sewon following the church’s disbandment, stating the building will not be used temporarily.

‘Yesterday, it was agreed that the building will not be used for worship for now,’ Halim said at Masjid Agung Manunggal Bantul on Wednesday 27 May.

Regarding a temporary worship venue, Halim stated it was not part of the agreement, so the regency government cannot provide an alternative.

‘We are following the previous agreement that for now, our Christian brothers in GMS should not use the building,’ he said.