Hillsong founder Brian Houston doubles down on criticism of Gladys Berejiklian – asking why thousands can cheer and hug at the footy but only 100 can enter his mega churches

Brian Houston has doubled down on his frustrations with the New South Wales government over restrictions on church service attendances.

The outspoken Hillsong founder expressed outrage after church services were snubbed from the latest round of eased COVID-19 restrictions announced on Monday.

Weddings can have up to 300 guests from December 1, while up to 40,000 footy fans will attend the NRL grand final between Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm in Sydney on Sunday night.

But strict limits remain in place for church services with attendances capped at 100, despite some megachurches in Sydney having space for more than 4,000 people. 

Mr Houston claims Christians have been discriminated against. 

Hillsong founder Brian Houston (pictured with wife Bobbi) isn't happy with the latest round of NSW restrictions

'Of course watching the football and people are cheering and hugging and spitting and high fiving, community event numbers are growing, but there has been absolutely no change to churches,' Mr Houston told Today Show on Wednesday.

'You can have 300 people indoors for a wedding. But you can't have anything like that, 100 people indoors obviously socially distanced, no matter how big the building.'

'We have some big buildings but we are only allowed 100 people in there.' 

Mr Houston has been inundated with support since venting his outrage over the latest changes.

'I think people are listening. Maybe the change is coming. I know the Anglican Archbishop and the Catholic Archbishop has been speaking to the government,' Mr Houston told Today host Karl Stefanovic.

'I think that changes are coming but they need to come.'

The Hillsong founder outraged that 40,000 footy fans can attend the NRL grand final but church services remain restricted to 100. Pictured are Penrith Panthers fans at Saturday night's NRL preliminary final

Mr Houston believes attending church is more important than ever as restrictions ease.  

'Some people wouldn't feel ready to come back yet, wouldn't feel safe. Other people are dying to get back there,' he said.

'Mental health, as we all know, and health generally, wellbeing is a big, big thing. 

'Isolation doesn't help that at all. Church, part of what we do, is community and connection. I know a lot of people just longing for that sense of community and connection.   

Mr Houston insists Hillsong has adequate COVID-19- safe and social distancing plans to deal with additional numbers ate services.

'I believe we're more than capable of doing that. I think that most churches, to be honest, could be trusted to do that,' he said.

'COVID marshals patrol each site to ensure the four square metre rule is abided too.'

Brian Houston claims churches have been discriminated against by the NSW government. Pictured is a prayer service at the Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley

Mr Houston is currently holed up in quarantine in a Sydney hotel with wife Bobbi.

'So interesting that the NSW govt are about to allow 300 people to attend an indoor wedding, and things are being relaxed for the hospitality industry, but still no changes for churches,' he tweeted on Monday.

'We have a building with space for 4000 people yet can only have 100 in there. Reason given is 'church ppl know each other (are too friendly).

'Do you think people are not friendly at weddings? It's getting to the point where it is discrimination.'

Mr Houston later uploaded a screenshot of his tweets to Instagram.

'It's time church leaders unite to take a stand. We are all committed to keeping people safe, but it seems churches are not even being considered for a steady easing of restrictions,' he wrote.

Hillsong founder Brian Houston urged religious  leaders unite to take a stand  in a united fight to have church services attendances increased from 100

Mr Houston was inundated with online messages of support.

'Love this, sir. we support you and may God give you wisdom as you move forward,' one person commented. 

Others agreed with Mr Houston's claims of discrimination and commended the pastor for speaking out.

'It's been discrimination toward churches/religion for a long time. Glad to see you standing up!' one woman commented.

Another added: 'Discrimination against the church is visible.'

Attendances at church services remains restricted to 100 in NSW, despite attendances increasing to up to 300 for weddings from December 1. Pictured is a service at Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley

Founded in 1983 by Mr Houston and his wife, Hillsong had an average global attendance of 150,000 at its weekly church services pre-COVID-19.

NSW recorded two locally-acquired cases on Tuesday, which were linked to two known clusters in south-west Sydney.

The outdoor gathering cap will be increased from 20 to 30, while group bookings at hospitality venues will increase from 10 to 30.

Up to 500 revellers can also attend open-air concerts so long as they stay seated.

'We're trying to make things as free as possible for our citizens but it's really important to maintain that level of COVID safety,' Ms Berejiklian said. 

The NSW Premier also urged families to dine out this Christmas instead of celebrating at home.

'The health experts have give us advice that it could actually be safer to go to a restaurant or somewhere which is COVID-safe to have your Christmas lunch than indoors in a confined space and we want everybody to think about their plans and to plan ahead for that,' she said.

From December, the permissible number of guests at weddings will be lifted to 300 people, provided they are seated