Today, I focus on a very sensitive subject relating to the interplay of church and national development. The issue of the church contributing directly to national development through taxation has been superficially discussed at various quarters.
However, due to the sensitive nature of religious matters in the country, and sometimes, the fanatism that comes with it, it is discomforting for many governments or state institutions to initiate or champion a comprehensive conversation on the matter.
It is anticipated that this article will rekindle the conversation on the church’s participation in taxation on a broader scale through a more decent, invective-free and intellectually-rich engagement.
It must be quickly emphasised that in Germany, there is a church tax called “Kirchensteuer” while Italy operates a tax arrangement called “Otto per Mille” where taxpayers can allocate a portion of their taxes to recognized religious organisations. In Denmark and Sweden, there are varied forms of church taxes exacted from members of the church. These cases are a few examples to illustrate the global outlook of how different nations have different tax arrangements with the church.
The tax arrangement peculiar to Ghana is that, the church has always been granted tax-exempt status largely because the church is commonly perceived as a non-profit organization that does not generate taxable revenue. Furthermore, the church is considered a “spiritual” entity, and its activities, including its financial matters, are believed to be beyond the purview of human and physical regulation. This partly explains why courts do not intervene and adjudicate cases related to spiritual practices. Also, the church is recognized for its already manifold contributions to the advancement of the Ghanaian society, which further justifies its exemption from taxes. The church plays a diverse role in society, and the positive impacts it brings are deemed significant enough to outweigh any financial obligations.
Undoubtedly, the church makes a variety of contributions towards the progress of the nation. For instance, some churches have established hospitals that serve the community, supplementing the existing public healthcare facilities. Additionally, some churches have established schools, universities, and other educational institutions that offer high-quality education to the population. Over time, some of these schools have been incorporated into the government’s education system. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that some churches have been providing scholarships to financially disadvantaged students, enabling them to pursue their education.
The church’s efforts in the healthcare sector through the establishment of hospitals to alleviate the strain on public healthcare facilities cannot be overemphasised. By providing additional medical services, they contribute to the overall wellbeing of the society. Similarly, their involvement in education by establishing schools and offering scholarships plays a crucial role in ensuring access to quality education, particularly for students who may not have the financial means to pursue their studies.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the church functions in many ways similar to a business, and as such, it is reasonable to expect them to contribute taxes towards the nation’s development. It is undeniable that the church system, particularly in recent times, has emerged as a viable entrepreneurial opportunity for young individuals. With the prevailing issue of high unemployment rates plaguing the country, starting and establishing a church, fellowship, or religious organization has become a viable alternative.
While the church is commonly perceived as a spiritual and non-profit entity, it is essential to recognize that many aspects of its operations align with a business model. Churches often engage in revenue-generating activities, such as collecting tithes, offering merchandise, organizing events, and providing services in exchange for financial contributions. Additionally, the growth of mega-churches and the prosperity gospel movement has introduced a commercial element within the church system, with an emphasis on financial prosperity and wealth accumulation.
In light of these observations, it becomes apparent that the church, as a business-like entity, should bear its fair share of tax obligations. Taxation is a means by which the government generates revenue to facilitate national development, including the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social welfare programmes. By contributing taxes, the church can contribute directly to the progress and well-being of the nation.
While recognizing the entrepreneurial opportunities that the church system presents, it is crucial to strike a balance between encouraging economic growth and ensuring that appropriate tax regulations are in place. Implementing transparent and accountable tax policies for religious institutions can help maintain the integrity and fairness of the taxation system while ensuring that the church continues to play a positive role in society
A thorough examination of its activities reveals that the church operates as the busiest enterprise in the country during weekends, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays. A considerable portion of the population gathers in churches seeking spiritual and physical nourishment, teachings, lessons, and healings. After receiving these ‘services’, the church members, similar to ‘clients’, make monetary contributions to the church leaders, often referred to as pastors, in various forms such as offertory, seed offerings, sacrifices, collections, dues, and more.
On weekends, churches witness a significant influx of individuals seeking spiritual enrichment and guidance. People attend services to receive teachings, engage in worship, and seek solace or healing. It is during these gatherings that church leaders often encourage congregants to make financial contributions as a form of support for the church’s activities and to demonstrate their faithfulness and gratitude. These contributions come in various forms, with different names given to reflect their purpose or significance.
The monetary transactions that occur within the church ecosystem can be likened to a business model, where individuals exchange money for the services and spiritual benefits they receive. The church, in this context, acts as the service provider, and the pastors or church leaders assume the role of business owners, receiving monetary offerings from the congregants.
It is worth noting that these financial transactions play a crucial role in sustaining the church’s operations, covering various expenses such as staff salaries, maintenance of facilities, community outreach programmes, and other initiatives undertaken by the church just as many other businesses also do. Additionally, these monies also serve as a source of income for the pastors and church leaders themselves.
It is undeniable that pastors and church leaders are progressively emerging as some of the wealthiest individuals within their communities. They are often observed driving luxurious cars, residing in opulent mansions, enrolling their children in prestigious schools, and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle primarily funded by the income generated from their church activities. Against this backdrop, the idea of the state requiring them to pay taxes to fund specific national projects might be perceived as favourable by a substantial portion of the population.
The financial prosperity of pastors and church leaders has become a noticeable phenomenon. They have accumulated significant wealth through their involvement in the church business, which includes receiving monetary contributions from churchgoers. This accumulation of wealth has enabled them to enjoy a lavish lifestyle that is evident in their material possessions and the opportunities they provide for their families.
Given the visible affluence of these religious figures, the notion of imposing taxes on them to support specific national initiatives may be seen as a welcome development. The idea behind such taxation would be to ensure that these influential individuals contribute their fair share to the overall development and welfare of the nation.
The concept of taxing pastors and church leaders is rooted in the principle of equity and fairness. It is based on the understanding that individuals who have amassed considerable wealth should contribute proportionately to the common good. By imposing taxes on these influential religious figures, the state can generate additional revenue that can be directed towards specific projects and programs that benefit the nation as a whole.
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Writer: Daniel Fenyi
The writer is a licensed counselor, professional writer and conference speaker who guides the youth through his writings. If you have any concerns, reach him via email [email protected]