Richest Pastor David Oyedepo Explains Why he won't pay Tax

Last week a website called therichest.com ranked Nigeria Pastor David Oyedepo as the richest Pastor in the world after Forbes estimated his networth to be $150M in 2011. There have been many call on the government to start taxing these churches since the pastors make so much money while most of their members are still poor. According to the man of God, the wealth the church gathers is invested in expanding it, and if he did not use a private jet, he would be unable to oversee its many foreign operations and still return to Ota every week in time for Sunday’s worship.

Asked about Forbes’ estimate of his fortune, Bishop Oyedepo said that he doesn’t know how Forbes arrived at their figure.

“For me, to have fortune means someone who has what he needs at any point in time. I don’t see myself as having $150 million stacked up somewhere. Whatever way they found their figures, I am only able to say I am blessed by the Lord,” he said.
On whether churches should pay tax considering how much they make, the Bishop replied: “There is no single government input on this premises. We supply our water, we make our roads, then you … say: ‘Let’s tax them’. For what?”

Oyedepo claimed his Corporate Affairs department has employed more than 18,000 people in Nigeria alone.
What do you think? should government start taxing churches since it is turning into a money making venture for those who venture into it.

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