Pastor Paul Furlong is in jail charged with inciting an illegal church service

The radical pastor locked up for allegedly organising an anti-lockdown church service is rallying followers to help set him free.

A radical pastor locked up over an illegal church service is praying his fellow Covid deniers will help set him free.

Pastor Paul Furlong is behind bars at Melbourne Assessment Prison after allegedly inciting churchgoers to attend an illegal service at Revival Christian Church in Narre Warren on Sunday.

Police blocked all access to the church, leading 50 maskless followers to congregate at a nearby reserve before an ugly standoff broke out.

Furlong was arrested and charged with incitement and breaching the conditions of his bail related to a similar church stunt in February.

Anti-lockdown protesters face off with police at the Narre Warren oval event on Sunday. Picture: Tony Gough

His wife, Julie Furlong, revealed the pastor was refused bail and plans to plead guilty to the charges to “get the matter heard and hopefully settled quicker”.

“Paul is currently being held in custody at the Melbourne Assessment Prison (MAP).

His lawyer said he is doing well,” she said.

Ms Furlong has called on anti-lockdown followers to campaign everyone from Prime Minister Scott Morrison to local council to free her husband.

The campaign, promoted on social media, includes draft letters to be sent to decision makers stating Furlong was wrongfully arrested and should be released on bail.

“As a government, bound by its Constitution, you must respect the human rights of your citizens. As members of the Christian faith we are watching, all over the world, and we will not be silent while this atrocious violation of fundamental rights continues under your watch,” the letter reads.

Pastor Paul Furlong was locked up over his illegal Sunday service.

Police speak with a protester on the ground at the Narre Warren oval. Picture: Tony Gough

Prior to his arrest, Furlong filmed a video of himself inviting churchgoers to attend his illegal Sunday service.

The pastor, who told his followers Covid does not exist, said “evil” had returned to society and that people must obey God’s will by coming together.

“I will obey God over man. Sadly man has blown it again. We are continuing to live evil, wicked, greedy, arrogant, sinful lives and sadly the government and police are walking down that road again,” he said.

“I want to make it clear that my church will never shut. I need to obey God and God’s word … (he) declares we are not to forsake, not to stop, the gathering together of the saints and do so even more as the days become more wicked and evil.”

Furlong was fined for breaching health directions during the lockdown in February after police were called to reports of about 50 people attending an indoor service.

Five fines were issued to people unlawfully gathered at the church service on Sunday.

Furlong is due to appear before the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on next Thursday.