The leaders of Samoa's largest church have suggested the government rein in expenditure as a way for pastors to avoid paying tax.
Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZ / Sela Jane Aholelei
The general secretary of the Congregational Christian Church, Vavatau Taufao, has challenged Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to admit the government's finances are in a poor state.
The two have been embroiled in a war of words for more than a month after the government introduced a law requiring church ministers to pay tax.
Reverend Taufao told the Samoa Observer that the government was seeking extra revenue sources because it can't control its spending.
He also questioned the cost of the recently upgraded international airport.