One of Samoa's main churches has decided to oppose the government's proposal to start taxing church offerings received by members of the clergy.
The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa's General Assembly held their annual meeting last week and rejected the proposal.
The church is writing a letter to the Prime Minister outlining the reasons for its decision.
The church has joined other denominations in opposing the proposal apart from the Catholic Church which is supportive.
Photo: Tipi Autagavaia
The Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, in his weekly radio interview last week, said there were only a few church ministers who had collected more than $US50,000 a year and they were the only ones who would be taxed.
He said most pastors and ministers had only collected $US7000 annually and they would not be paying taxes.
The cabinet has yet to receive a report from the Ministry of Revenue on the proposal after consultations with churches and members of the public.