04/04/2012 China (ChinaAid) – Release International is inviting churches to hold an open-air service next month in solidarity with Christians around the world who are forced to meet outside because of state interference.

Christians in parts of China, Indonesia and central Asia have been barred from meeting indoors because their church buildings were closed down by the authorities.

Shouwang Church, one of Beijing’s largest house churches, has been meeting outside for a year after the authorities refused to register the church. Churchgoers are routinely arrested as they hold services outside.

A church spokesman said: “Even though we’ve been through months of battles and are feeling tired in body and soul, our desire to worship God is unchanged.”

In Indonesia, the Filadelfia Batak church, near Jakarta has been worshipping outside since mass protests by Islamist hardliners led to its closure. The Yasmin Protestant church of West Java has also had to worship in the open air after the mayor opposed construction plans.

Churches in Britain are being asked to take part in the Great Outdoors Church Service on 20 or 27 May.

“Would you be willing to worship in the open air in all weathers if the authorities closed down your church?” said Release chief executive Andy Dipper.

“And would you be prepared to risk arrest – every single week – just for gathering to praise God together?

“To show our support for these persecuted Christians we are inviting churches throughout the UK and Ireland to stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters by holding a Sunday meeting outdoors.”

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