19 Jun 2018

Samoa cabinet to discuss church opposition on tax

8:35 am on 19 June 2018

Samoan government leaders will discuss the Congregational Christian Church's opposition to paying tax at its meeting on Wednesday, the Samoan prime minister says.

Congregational Christian Church ministers arriving at government house for a meeting with Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi and his cabinet on Monday.

Congregational Christian Church ministers arriving at government house for a meeting with Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, and his cabinet on Monday. Photo: RNZ/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi met a delegation of more than 20 elders and ministers of the church on Monday.

Under a new law church ministers will have to pay tax from next month but the Congregational Christian Church, which is Samoa's largest, has said this goes against its faith.

Tuilaepa said the cabinet would respond in writing to the church.

Speaking to the media on the issue recently, Tuila'epa said no government would be controlled and directed from outside.

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