Vanuatu's Prime Minister Moana Carcasses, has promised the Vanuatu Christian Council that his Government is going to start paying an annual ten percent tithe from the national budget.
Based on the present budget, ten percent would amount to 21 million US dollars.
The Prime Minister made the announcement during a dedication for his government by the Vanuatu Christian Council.
The Council's chairman, Bishop James Ligo, who was not at the dedication, says he is unaware of the government's promise.
He says the amount of money is astronomical and he hopes it will not be used to stop the churches from speaking out on issues.