A relief agency is to establish a church exclusively for foreigners in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital.
When opened, foreign visitors and diplomats will be able to attend English prayer services in Pyongyang.
The Korean Foundation World Aid, a group working for aid in North Korea, said Friday that it has agreed with eight U.S.-based missionary groups to join hands in establishing the church for foreigners in Pyongyang.
If North Korea grants permission to its foundation, the church, tentatively called the ``Pyongyang International Harvest Church,’’ will be the third official church in the North.
``The representatives of the joint team will soon visit Pyongyang to seek the government’s permission for the church,’’ said Lee Soo-jung, a member of the foundation.
The first official church in North Korea, Pongsu Church was founded in 1988. Chilgol Church, was set up in 1999.
Missionary groups participating in the plan include the Campus Crusade for Christ and the Love Network for Korea in Los Angeles.
According to the plan, a total of $6 million will be invested to construct a four-story building with lodging facilities. The church will also run a school for foreign students, the foundation said.