The General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, Reverend Vavatau Taufao, says church elders will no longer respond to the government's decision to tax gift money from church members for church ministers.
The Secretary's reaction comes after Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi attacked the church after meeting with a delegation of church elders several weeks ago.
The delegation had explained in the meeting the reasons behind the church's General Assembly unanimous decision to oppose the tax.
Reverend Vavatau says the annual conference of the church will next discuss and reconsider their decision whether or not to withdraw their opposition in May next year.
He says it's not his duty or role to respond to the government, but he will if church elders decide that he should.