Pentecostal fellowship kicks against taxing of churches

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has kicked against the taxing of churches as proposed by the National Conference Committee on Religion.
The religious body made its position known on Tuesday in Jos, Plateau State at a press conference by the National Vice Chairman of the PFN, Rev. Yakubu Pam, shortly after its North-Central zonal meeting.
Pam said that the PFN noted with concern the reported recommendation of the National Conference committee on religion that taxes be imposed on religious institutions.
He said: “It is instructive that the laws of the land took special notice of the important role that religious bodies play in the country where there are no social safety nets for the most vulnerable.
“The churches, for instance, have served as the last hope of the masses, shouldering the responsibility of meeting the needs of the vulnerable.
“Churches have provided access to health, education and other amenities to the unemployed, widows and the sick.
“We have no issue with religious organisations paying taxes on business they engage in as that has been the practice and we have always encouraged our member-churches to comply with the existing tax regulations.”
According to the national vice chairman, the meeting deliberated on several issues affecting the nation and advised the politicians to be circumspect in their utterances and conduct while politicking.
Pam said: “They should ensure that they put the country first in all their actions and should not let selfish ambitions to blindfold them and or let such override the peace of the nation.
“PFN cautions political leaders to restrain themselves and shift their focus beyond the narrow confines of winning elections.
“We look forward to our political parties engaging in more robust, issue-based discourse rather than the incessant personal and disparaging comments that are traded across board.”
Pam, who decried the plight of Nigerians in northern Nigeria, particularly Christians, however called on Nigerians irrespective of their religion or tribe to unite and defeat the enemy.
“Together we can overcome the challenges of today and face tomorrow with much hope and confidence and together we can make Nigeria a land of integrity and honour,” he said.